Albéric Magnard

Albéric Magnard, born in Paris in 1865, was a French composer whose life and work were marked by both tragedy and heroism. Influenced by César Franck and Vincent d'Indy, Magnard created a body of work that includes operas, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. His reclusive nature and eccentric tendencies kept him from widespread fame during his lifetime, but his compositions have since gained appreciation for their depth and originality. Magnard's life took a dramatic turn in 1914 when he became a national hero, defending his home against German forces during World War I. His legacy endures, with his music celebrated for its emotional resonance and technical mastery.