Constant, Franz

Constant, Franz , Belgian composer and pianist; b. Montignies-le-Tilleul, Nov. 17, 1910. He studied at the Charleroi Academy of Music and at the Brussels Cons, with M. Maas, L. Jongen, Bourguignon, and Absil; he also studied with Tomasi in Paris. He became a concert pianist and formed a successful duo with his wife, Jeanne Pellaerts. In 1947 he was appointed to the faculty of the Brussels Cons. As a composer, Constant blends the modalities of the classical Belgian School with coloristic harmonies.

Works

ORCH Rhapsodic for Violin and Orch. (1962); Saxophone Concerto (1963); Trumpet Concerto (1965); Sinfonietta for Flute, Oboe, and Strings (1968); Fantasia for Saxophone and Orch. (1969); Concertino for Flute and Strings (1970); Violin Concerto (1971); Rhapsodic (1973); Expressions for Violin, Piano, and Strings (1973); Clarinet Concertino (1975); Ballade du sud for 2 Pianos and Orch. (1979); Mouvement rhapsodic for Double Bass and Orch. (1980); Musique for Saxphone Quartet and Strings (1981); Quattro movimenti sinfonici (1983); Concerto for Accordion and Wind Orch. (1985); Concerto for Brass and Wind Orch. (1987). CHAMBER : Allegro for Trumpet and Piano (1959); 4 sequences for 4 Saxophones (1962); Impressions for 4 Clarinets (1964); Flute Sonata (1967); Évocation for Flute and Piano (1969); Suo tempore for Violin and Piano (1969); Dialogue for Clarinet and Piano (1970); Sonatine picturale for Clarinet and Piano (1970); Couleur provengale for Horn and Piano (1970); Pour la guitare I and II (1971); 5 Miniatures for Violin, Flute, and Piano (1971); Piano Quartet (1971); Divertissement for Bassoon and Piano (1972); Rythme et expression for Violin, Saxophone, Piano, and Percussion (1972); Musique a deux for Flute and Guitar (1973); Musica lyrica for Flute, Violin, and Piano or Harpsichord (1976); Suite en trio for Flute, Violin, and Piano (1977); Rhapsodic àété for Clarinet Octet and Percussion (1977); Odyssee for Cello and Piano (1982); Sonate a trois for 2 Violins and Piano (1983); Triptyque for 2 Pianos and Percussion (1984); String Quartet (1985); Impromptu for Alto Saxophone and Piano (1987); many piano pieces. VOCAL: Jeanne de Naples, cantata for Soprano, Narrator, Children’s Voices, Speaking and Singing Choruses, and Orch. (1972); Histoires du dimanche for Children’s Chorus, and Piano or Ensemble of 11 Instruments (1973); songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire