Short bio Andre Mathieu
Full biography Andre Mathieu
René André Mathieu was a Canadian pianist and composer born on February 18, 1929, in Montreal. He was a child prodigy who started playing the piano at the age of four and composing at the age of five. Mathieu's talent was recognized at an early age, and he was sent to study in Paris with renowned composers and pianists, including Arthur Honegger and Isidor Philipp.
Mathieu's music is mainly for solo piano, and he wrote many works for the instrument. His compositions are known for their complexity and virtuosity, often featuring intricate harmonies and rhythms. Some of his most popular works for piano include "Prelude in C-sharp minor," "Rhapsodie romantique," and "Sonatina No. 4."
Despite his early success and recognition, Mathieu struggled with personal demons and financial difficulties. He suffered from depression, and his music was not always well received by critics and audiences. He died in Montreal on June 2, 1968, at the age of 39, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be studied and performed today.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Mathieu's music, and his contributions to Canadian classical music have been recognized. Piano virtuoso and conductor Alain Lefèvre has been a vocal advocate for Mathieu's music, and many recordings of his works have been released. The annual Concours Musical International de Montréal also includes a competition for Mathieu's music, helping to keep his legacy alive.
Compositions featuring Andre Mathieu
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhapsodie romantique, for piano & orchestra | 21:17 min | Concerto | 1958 |
| 2 | Bagatelle for piano No. 1 | 2:01 min | Keyboard | 1946 |
| 3 | Bagatelle for piano No. 4 | 2:00 min | Keyboard | 1946 |
| 4 | Laurentienne No. 2, for piano | 5:37 min | Keyboard | 1946 |
| 5 | Désir, for violin & piano (incomplete) | 2:24 min | Chamber Music | 1946 |
| 6 | Fantaisie brésilienne, for violin & piano | 1:38 min | Chamber Music | 1946 |
| 7 | Complainte, for violin & piano | 2:52 min | Chamber Music | 1945 |
| 8 | Nocturne for violin & piano (incomplete) | 5:18 min | Chamber Music | 1945 |
| 9 | Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 25 | 34:06 min | Concerto | 1943 |
| 10 | Concerto de Québec, for piano & orchestra ("Symphonie concertante" / "Concerto romantique") | 28:14 min | Concerto | 1943 |
| 11 | Printemps canadien (Canadian Spring), for piano | 5:36 min | Keyboard | 1939 |
| 12 | Les Mouettes (The Seagulls), for piano | 3:18 min | Keyboard | 1938 |
| 13 | Tristesse (Sadness), for piano | 3:04 min | Keyboard | 1936 |
| 14 | Abeilles piquantes (Stinging Bees), for piano, Op. 17 | 1:23 min | Keyboard | 1934 |
| 15 | Dans la nuit (In the Night), for piano | 2:49 min | Keyboard | 1933 |
| 16 | Le ciel est si bleu ("Le ciel est, par-dessus le toit"), song for voice & piano | 1:53 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 17 | Les chères mains, song for voice & piano | 2:37 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 18 | Concerto de Québec, version for solo piano (in one movement) | 10:07 min | Keyboard | - |
| 19 | Concertino No. 2, Op. 13 | 13:16 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 20 | Colloque sentimental, song for voice & piano | 2:25 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 21 | Piano Concerto No. 4 in E minor, for piano & orchestra | 37:39 min | Keyboard | - |
| 22 | Berceuse (Lullaby), for piano | 2:45 min | Keyboard | - |
| 23 | Prélude for piano No. 5 ("Prélude romantique") | 3:44 min | Keyboard | - |
| 24 | Quintet for piano and string quartet | 15:29 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 25 | Ballade-Fantaisie for violin & piano | 5:43 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 26 | Scenes de ballet | 22:07 min | Ballet | - |
| 27 | Sonata for violin & piano | 12:25 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 28 | Songs (4), for chorus & orchestra | 10:43 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 29 | Trio, for violin, cello & piano | 15:09 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 30 | Il pleure dans mon coeur, song for voice & piano | 2:48 min | Vocal Music | - |
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