Profession: Composer
Biography: The Swiss composer who spent most of his life in France was part of the modern movement in early twentieth century classical music. He was one of a group of composers known as the Les Six that included Georges Auric.
Honegger was a prolific composer producing significant works for opera including his Antigone, based on the ancient play by Sophocles with a libretto by Jean Cocteau, with sets by Pablo Picasso and costumes by Coco Chanel.
His other works included orchestral and chamber pieces, works for ballet and for film . Two of his best known works are the King David (1921) and "Pacific 231" (1923), based on the sounds of a stream train.
Born: March 10, 1892
Birthplace: Le Havre, France
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: November 27, 1955 (aged 63)
Cause of Death: A heart attack
Historical Events
- 1920-01-03 Arthur Honegger's symphonic poem "Chant de Nigamon," premieres at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris, France
- 1921-02-17 Arthur Honegger's chamber piece "Pastorale D'ete" premieres
- 1922-01-20 Arthur Honegger's ballet "Skating Rink" premieres at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France
- 1924-05-08 Arthur Honegger's orchestral tribute to steam locomotives "Pacifica 231" premieres
- 1927-12-28 Arthur Honegger's opera "Antigone" premieres with a libretto by Jean Cocteau, sets by Pablo Picasso and costumes by Coco Chanel at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels
- 1938-05-12 Arthur Honegger and Paul Claudel's oratorio "Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher" (Joan of Arc at the Stake) premieres in Basel, Switzerland
- 1946-08-17 Arthur Honegger's 3rd Symphony "Liturgique" premieres in Zürich, Switzerland with Charles Munch conducting the Suisse Romande Orchestra
- 1947-01-21 Arthur Honegger's 4th Symphony premieres in Basel, Switzerland
Barbara Strozzi
Benny Andersson
Franz Liszt
Harry Burleigh
Robert Lopez
Stephen Sondheim