French composers

Gérard Grisey

In the nineteenth century, in addition to Bizet and Gounod, one must remember at least Jules Massenet and Camille Saint-Saëns, the latter also interesting for the piano repertoire.

In the twentieth century, in addition to Debussy and Ravel, Francis Poulenc, Darius Milhaud, and Arthur Honegger (the latter was Swiss by origin) should be remembered.

And then Olivier Messiaen. In the post-war period, Pierre Boulez was very important.

The history of French music is however very ancient and finds great expression as far back as the Middle Ages. In the Baroque period, one must remember at least Lully (of Italian origin), Couperin, and Rameau.

To supplement Nicola Fredda's post, some other insights can be found in musicians such as

Berlioz, Fauré, I would include César Franck without omitting the good Satie, let's also remember Vincent d'Indy and Poulenc

I leave a reflection on Dubois

What do you think about Emmanuel Chabrier and Henri Dutilleux?

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categoria:Compositori_francesi

One could work in reverse... on the unknown ones

Xenakis wrote:

What do you think of Emmanuel Chabrier and Henri Dutilleux?

Of Dutilleux, I have played a piece for flute and piano (Sonatine) that I find very beautiful:

Open content (youtube)

What level of difficulty is required for these instruments?

Among the living, I would also say Tristan Murail and Dusapin

Thanks everyone!

micamahler wrote:

Among the living, I would also say Tristan Murail and Dusapin

I didn't know them, what do you suggest listening to in order to get to know them better?

for example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEW6rfj7DLk

as for Dusapin I wouldn't know, take a look on YouTube!

Open content (youtube)

this other one

Open content (youtube)