Pierre Henry

Full biography Pierre Henry

Pierre Henry, born on December 9, 1927, was a French composer and a pioneer of musique concrète. He played a significant role in shaping the future of electronic music. Henry used different types of sounds, from human voices to industrial machines, to create music that challenged traditional ideas of melody and harmony.

Henry's breakthrough composition was the 1950 piece Symphonie pour un homme seul (Symphony for a Man Alone), which he co-created with Pierre Schaeffer. This work employed a new technique called musique concrète, which used the manipulation of recorded sounds to create music. His other notable works include Messe pour le temps présent (Mass for the Present Time) and Apocalypse de Jean (The Apocalypse of John).

Henry's compositions were ahead of their time and had a significant influence on modern music. He collaborated with a range of artists, including Jean Cocteau, Francois Bayle, and Michel Colombier. His work can be heard in films, television shows, and art installations.

In addition to his contributions to music, Henry was also a teacher, writer, and researcher. He received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Prix National de la Musique and the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Henry passed away on July 5, 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy as a music pioneer and staunch experimentalist.