Born on 27 January 1928, Jean-Michel Damase composes in a style
often compared to Gabriel Fauré, Francis Poulenc, Maurice Ravel, Serge
Prokofiev, Albert Roussel, and Stravinsky; incorporating many of the
rhythmic and harmonic complexities associated with twentieth-century
French music. Throughout his career, Damase has remained a
traditionalist, "continuing the post-tonal line of Debussy and Ravel
without the modish interest in their deeper-seated implications."* Or,
in the composers own words, "I prefer sincerity to forced innovation."
His music is accessible without being lightweight; unabashedly
melodic, with a distinct delight in "obsessive" motifs; tonal, though,
paradoxically, harmonically complex; rhythmically surprising; playful;
respectful of tradition and form; and always superbly crafted.
In spite of his works’ obvious and readily appreciated merits, too few
are familiar with Jean-Michel Damase. Because very little information
is available about the composer and his works, I created this site to
assemble as much of it as possible and share it with others.
My goal is to encourage those who are not yet familiar with Damase to
seek out his very rewarding music. If you are fortunate enough to have
enjoyed hearing or performing Damase’s works, I hope I can provide
some useful information about discovering more.
I welcome your comments, corrections and additions. Please send
information to:
Michael Lasser
chezdamase@gmail.com
*The
New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 1st Edition
News
Colombe [Dove] (1961)
Comédie lyrique in 4 acts
New production by the
Opéra Municipal de Marseille
Marseille, France
Saturday, 27 January 2007; 8:00PM
Tuesday, 30 January 2007; 8:00PM
Wednesday, 2 February 2007; 8:00PM
Sunday, 4 February 2007; 2:30PM
MUSIC Jean-Michel DAMASE
LIBRETTO Jean ANOUILH
DIRECTOR Robert FORTUNE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Jacques LACOMBE
SET DESIGN Christophe VALLAUX; Robert FORTUNE
COSTUMES Christine RABOT PINSON
LIGHTING Philippe GROSPERRIN
CAST
Anne-Catherine GILLET as Colombe
Felicity LOTT as Madame Alexandra
Nicole FOURNIÉ as Madame Georges
Phillip ADDIS as Julien
Sébastien DROY as Armand
Marc BARRARD as Poète chéri
Patrick VILET as M Desfournettes
Eric HUCHET as Du Bartas
Jacques LEMAIRE as La Surette