Mathieu, (René) André (RodoLPhe)
Mathieu, (René) André (RodoLPhe)
Mathieu, (René) André (RodoLPhe), remarkable Canadian pianist and composer, son of (Joseph) Rodolphe Mathieu; b. Montreal, Feb. 18, 1929; d. there, June 2, 1968. A child prodigy, he received lessons in piano and compositions at a very early age with his father; his 3 Études for piano date from his 4th year. On Feb. 25, 1935, he created a stir in Montreal with his recital debut as a pianist at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. In 1936 he received a Quebec government grant to pursue his studies in Paris, where he had lessons in piano with Yves Nat and in harmony and composition with Jacques de la Presle. While in Paris, he gave recitals with notable success. On Feb. 3, 1940, he made a highly successful Town Hall recital debut in N.Y.; then continued his studies in composition in N.Y. with Harold Morris while touring as a pianist in North America. In 1946–47 he was again in Paris to complete his studies with Arthur Honegger (composition) and Jules Gentil (piano). Returning to Canada, he devoted himself principally to teaching and composing. Among his works, all composed in a late Romantic vein, were 4 piano concertos; Piano Trio; Piano Quintet; pieces for Violin and Piano; numerous solo piano pieces; several vocal scores.
Bibliography
J. Rudel-Tessier, A.M., un génie (Montreal, 1976).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire