Louis Durey (1888 – 1979)

Durey was a latecomer to music, beginning his studies only when he was 22. In 1914 he interrupted his career to enlist on the outbreak of war. In 1916 he came under the influence of Satie and dedicated to him his composition Carillons. It was at a performance of this work for piano duet, played by Marcelle Meyer and Georges Auric, that he first met Ravel (in 1918).

Durey maintained a friendly relationship with Ravel, and in 1918 dedicated to him Neige, also for piano duet. In 1919 Ravel, while trying to regain his health and ability to compose, wrote a warmly sympathetic letter to Durey, offering his advice and assistance for the young composer’s projects. In 1921, Durey withdrew from the Groupe des Six, perhaps offended by the hostile and disrespectful attitude which his fellow members showed to Ravel. From 1923, he lived in seclusion in the south of France, writing very little; most of his compositions remained unpublished.

Writing in 1972, Durey recalled his acquaintance with Ravel, “le plus ‘optimiste’ des musiciens français, tout, dans son œuvre empreinte d’une aveuglante clarté, témoignant de la joie de vivre, de la joie aussi d’accomplir la tâche unique qu’il lui a été donné de réaliser. …Ravel était un homme infiniment simple, d’un abord affable et amical. Très ouvert aux nouveautés (n’avait-il pas été frappé par le Pierrot lunaire de Schönberg?) il s’intéressait aux premiers travaux des jeunes musiciens que nous étions alors et ne manquait pas d’assister aux concerts où ils étaient présentés au public.” (Orenstein, [1989], p.379-380)