View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Friday’s Tall Tales #11
Whenever I photograph a door or gate I wonder about its provenance, who and what has happened across said door or gate. I thought I might pick one from #Thursdaydoors and tell you a bit more about it or……maybe even weave a story about it.
This one very helpfully has a plaque which I have enlarged below.
How it all began
I don’t know about you but I’d never heard of this composer. However, after a not inconsiderable amount of research, I did find out a bit more about Maurice. He was born in Rouen into a family of notaries. Despite being a keen student of the piano, which he pursued during schooling, he was destined to join the family firm. Though, in recognition of his excellent BAC (leaving exams) results, he was gifted a trip to Bayreuth where he was inspired by both Wagner and Beethoven.
After leaving the College Join-Lambert, he went to Paris to study where he qualified in both law and philosophy. While still studying, he moved into a flat at 43 rue Madame which was close to his university and also La Schola Cantorum where he’d met Vincent d’Indy with whom he started to compose music.
In 1911 he gave a concert of his works including, among others, Le Printemps, Hélas tout travail and La Prière du Poête et Extase. He continued writing and appears to have been fairly prolific until he was called up in 1914 to work in one of the military hospitals.
Presumably after the war, he returned to Paris and in 1932 took up residence in the above building. His daughter wrote a short book of his life so I assume he married and had a family all while continuing to compose and perform. I have however found his final resting place in 2nd division of the Père-Lachaise cemetery.
The plaque was put up the year after his death at the behest of Frédéric Dupont, a local dignatory.
View from the Back 
Thank you so much, Sheree, for your research and findings about the composer I never
heard about, but I love to learn something new, and you have provided an interesting and well-presented post. Thank you again, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thanks Joanna, I really enjoyed finding out about him
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Any chance to give us a sample of his work?
Joanna
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What a good idea Joanna, I’ll look into that. Thanks
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You are not alone, Sheree. I never heard of him too. Great research for this post.
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Thanks Sanjeet
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Now that is one heck of a door ,in Paris … The composer indeed is not very known but there are so many, if in doubt check the BnF always. Cheers
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Indeed
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I have heard of him, but just a bit. Thanks!
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If anyone was likely to have heard of him, it would be you Allen
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How fascinating!
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Thanks Cindy
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I’d never heard of him. But what a door he had. Thank you for the research, Sheree
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My pleasure Derrick
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Have done doors in Ireland photographically, so much individualism.
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The ones in Ireland that I’ve seen have all been very colourful
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He had a beautiful door, thank you for the information and your research. I love that they place a plaque on the building Sheree.
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Quite common in Europe
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Bonjour. I’d never heard of him either. Judging from the outside, the interior of his home probably was very fine.
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Thanks for dropping by and commenting
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Sounds like a very talented guy!
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Absolutely
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