Jean Françaix

Noël nouvelet 

et 

Il est né, le Divin Enfant

Two improvisations for 12 violoncellos

PARTITION

Born into a musical family – his father was Director of the Conservatoire of Le Mans, and his mother a singing teacher - Jean Françaix took up composing at the age of six and showed promise even at this early age. On the strength of his first published work - at the age of just nine - he was encouraged to pursue formal studies, and by his mid-twenties had written a several concertos, numerous chamber pieces and half a dozen ballets.

Françaix remained a prolific composer throughout his life, with his light, witty style attractive to both performers and listeners. He was also an accomplished pianist, performing many of his own works and those of his contemporaries; including, notably, a Two Piano Concerto together with its composer, Francis Poulenc. 

Noël nouvelet et Il est né, le Divin Enfant, Deux improvisations (1987) was dedicated to the cello section of the Berlin Philharmonic. Edition Schott, 7557.