Jacques Leguerney (19 November 1906 – 10 September 1997) was a French composer especially noted for his art songs.

Biography

Jacques Leguerney was born in Le Havre. He has been referred to as "the latest – perhaps the last – great exponent of the mélodie". He was largely self-taught, but studied with Nadia Boulanger for a short period. He was also influenced by Albert Roussel and Francis Poulenc, who was a close friend throughout his life. His art songs were championed by such singers as Gérard Souzay, his sister the soprano Geneviève Touraine and Pierre Bernac, and more recently by American baritone Kurt Ollmann and pianist Mary Dibbern. In addition to his art songs, he also wrote chamber music and orchestral music, including the ballet Endymion, followed by the ballet La Vénus Noire, which was a commission from the Paris Opéra. After the Paris Opéra did not produce this ballet, which he considered his masterpiece, Leguerney stopped composing.

Chronological works list

Principal source

Selected discography