Charles Koechlin (1867-1950)

Book excerpt: In 1942 Wilfrid Mellers classed Koechlin "among the select number of contemporary composers who really matter," yet it is only in the 1980s that Koechlin has begun to achieve the recognition he deserves as a composer of breadth, vision and powerful originality: a pioneer of polytonality and a master orchestrator who was greatly admired by contemporaries such as Faure, Debussy, Satie and Milhaud. Lavishly illustrated with photographic and musical examples, this book provides the first comprehensive evaluation of Koechlin's life and works. As well as concentrating on major symphonic works like Koechlin's Jungle Book cycle, it also discusses his attraction to the early sound film and the music inspired by such stars as Lilian Harvey, Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin in the 1930s. Koechlin's career provides a fascinating study of the triumph of integrity and independence over almost overwhelming odds, and is rich and varied output offers a veritable treasure-trove for performers, scholars and enthusiasts alike.