Rolande Falcinelli

Full biography Rolande Falcinelli

Rolande Falcinelli was a French composer, organist, pianist, and music educator who was born on February 18, 1920, in Paris, France, and passed away on June 11, 2006. She was the first musician in her family, which was a family of painters, and she began playing the piano and the violin at an early age.

Falcinelli received her musical education at the Paris Conservatory, where she studied under Marcel Dupré, Henri Busser, and Maurice Duruflé. She won several awards during her time there, including the Prix de Rome in Composition in 1950.

Falcinelli was known for her organ compositions and was considered one of the most influential organists of the 20th century. Her compositions were characterized by their innovative harmonies and complex rhythms, and she was known for her virtuosity and technique on the organ.

In addition to her compositions, Falcinelli was also a renowned music educator, and she taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1971 until her retirement in 1986. Many of her students went on to become successful composers and performers in their own right.

Today, Falcinelli's legacy continues through the Rolande Falcinelli Archive, which is housed at the Sibley Music Library. This archive contains a wealth of information about her life and work, including original manuscripts of her compositions, correspondence, photographs, and other materials.

Overall, Rolande Falcinelli was an accomplished and influential composer, organist, and music educator who made significant contributions to the world of music during her lifetime. Her innovative compositions and virtuosic performances continue to be appreciated by music lovers and musicians around the world.