Barraine, Elsa (1910—)

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Barraine, Elsa (1910—)

French composer, considered one of the most gifted since Lili Boulanger . Born Jacqueline Elsa Barraine in Paris on February 10, 1910; studied at the Paris Conservatory with Paul Dukas for composition and Jean Gallon for harmony.

In 1929, Elsa Barraine won the coveted Prix de Rome for her La vierge guerriere. From 1936 to 1939, she was Chef du Chant for the RTF (Radio Télevision Français), and, during World War II, she was with the Front National des Musiciens. In 1953, Barraine was appointed professor of musical analysis at the Paris Conservatory. She composed three symphonies, a comic opera, and several pieces for chorus; her fame was built around several compositions known for their evocation of tension and tragedy.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia

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