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Paul Dukas

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description Paul Dukas Overview

Paul Dukas was a French composer, critic, and teacher whose surviving music is noted for precise construction and detailed orchestration. His best known work is the 1897 symphonic scherzo The Sorcerer's Apprentice, based on a ballad by Goethe. His other major compositions include the opera Ariane et Barbe bleue, a symphony in C major, and a piano sonata, while his exacting standards led him to destroy several of his own works.

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What is Paul Dukas's most famous musical composition?

Paul Dukas is best remembered for his iconic 1897 symphonic poem, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. He was a French composer known for his meticulous orchestration and extreme perfectionism.

Did Paul Dukas destroy his own music?

Yes, because he was highly self-critical and meticulous, Dukas destroyed or abandoned many of his own compositions. Therefore, only a relatively small number of his musical works survive today.

How did The Sorcerer's Apprentice gain modern popularity?

The symphonic poem gained massive mainstream popularity when it was famously featured in Walt Disney's 1940 animated film, Fantasia. Mickey Mouse famously starred in the iconic scene bringing the musical story to life.

What other notable works did Paul Dukas compose?

Besides The Sorcerer's Apprentice, his surviving works include the opera Ariane et Barbe-bleue. He also composed a complex ballet titled La Péri.