Georges Auric

Early Life and Education

Georges Auric was born on February 15, 1899, in Lodève, Hérault, France. He began his musical journey at a remarkably young age, performing a piano recital at just 14 years old. His early compositions gained recognition, with several songs performed by the Société Nationale de Musique shortly thereafter. Auric honed his skills at the Paris Conservatoire and studied composition under Vincent d'Indy at the Schola Cantorum de Paris, eventually becoming a protégé of the influential composer Erik Satie. By the 1910s and 1920s, he was a prominent figure in Paris's avant-garde music scene, closely associated with Jean Cocteau and the other members of Les Six.

Career

Auric's career was marked by a distinct reaction against the musical norms of his time, which led to his classification as a member of Les Six, a group known for its avant-garde approach and satirical style. His early works included settings of poetry and contributions to ballets, notably the 1921 ballet "Les Mariés de la tour Eiffel," which he co-created with his fellow composers. He also composed operas, including the one-act piece "Sous le masque" in 1927. Throughout his career, Auric's music reflected the cultural landscape of Paris, often rejecting the influences of Russian and German music in favor of a more localized, absurdist style.

Personal Life and Legacy

Auric's personal life was intertwined with his political beliefs; he was involved with leftist groups and contributed to communist publications in the 1930s. He married painter Eleanore Vilter in 1930, and they remained together until her death in 1982. Auric passed away on July 23, 1983, at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich legacy as a composer who significantly influenced French music and film. He was interred at Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, alongside his wife, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned over eight decades.