Paul Dukas
Paul Dukas (1865–1935) was a French composer, critic and teacher whose surviving works are few but exacting. He is best known for the orchestral scherzo The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Among the pieces that remain in active use is his Villanelle for horn and piano, a staple of the French horn syllabus and of recital programmes, recorded on Hornocopia (MD 3172).
His later influence as a composition teacher at the Paris Conservatoire is the thread behind The Messiaen Nexus (MD 3369), which includes his Prélude élégiaque alongside memorial and chamber works from that circle.
Compositions by Paul Dukas appear on
The Messiaen Nexus
This disc offers an extraordinary insight into the intellectual and creative talent of a fertile period at the Paris Conservatoire. Centred on Olivier Messiaen, the programme of violin and piano works traces his influence on students György Kurtág, George Benjamin and Pierre Boulez, and the mark of his teacher Paul Dukas.
Hornocopia
About 110 minutes of French horn music, from classical staples to contemporary scores. Much of the programme sits on the AMEB French Horn syllabus, and several works appear here on CD for the first time – a practical set for students and teachers.