Early Life and Career
Maurice Jarre was born on September 13, 1924, in Lyon, France. His father was a textile manufacturer, and his mother was a pianist. Jarre began his musical education at a young age, studying piano with his mother and later attending the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied composition with Arthur Honegger and Olivier Messiaen.
After completing his studies, Jarre began his career as a composer for French radio and television. He also composed music for ballets and other stage productions. It was during this time that he met and began working with director René Clément, who would later give him his first opportunity to compose music for a feature film.
Breakthrough with Lawrence of Arabia
In 1962, Maurice Jarre was approached by director David Lean to compose the score for his epic film, Lawrence of Arabia. The film was a massive undertaking and required a score that was both epic and intimate. Jarre delivered, creating a score that is still regarded as one of the greatest film scores of all time.
The score for Lawrence of Arabia is characterized by its use of Middle Eastern instruments and its sweeping, orchestral themes. Jarre’s use of the iconic “Main Theme” throughout the film helped to create a sense of unity and continuity, tying the film together and elevating it to a level of greatness that few films have ever achieved.
Doctor Zhivago and Beyond
Following the success of Lawrence of Arabia, Maurice Jarre continued to work with David Lean on films such as Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India. He also worked with other notable directors such as John Frankenheimer, Peter Weir, and Luchino Visconti.
Jarre’s style continued to evolve throughout his career, incorporating elements of jazz, avant-garde, and electronic music into his scores. He was never afraid to experiment with new sounds and techniques, and his willingness to take risks and push boundaries helped to cement his reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his time.
Legacy and Influence
Maurice Jarre passed away in 2009, but his music continues to live on. His influence can be heard in the work of countless composers who have followed in his footsteps, and his legacy as one of the greatest film composers of all time is secure.
Jarre’s approach to film scoring, which emphasized the importance of the score as a storytelling device, continues to be an inspiration to composers working in the industry today. His use of non-traditional instruments and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles helped to broaden the possibilities of what film music could be, and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.
Career and Education
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, there are many paths you can take. Whether you want to become a composer, a music producer, or a sound engineer, there are a variety of educational programs and resources available to help you achieve your goals.
One program that may be of interest to you is the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program, offered by New York University, provides students with a comprehensive overview of the music industry, including topics such as artist management, marketing and promotion, and music publishing. By completing this program, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help you succeed in the competitive world of music.
Key Takeaways
- Maurice Jarre was a French composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented composers in the history of cinema.
- He is best known for his work on films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and A Passage to India, which earned him three Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and a Grammy.
- Jarre’s approach to film scoring, which emphasized the importance of the score as a storytelling device, continues to be an inspiration to composers working in the industry today.
- If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain valuable knowledge and skills.
