Albert Roussel (5 April 1869 – 23 August 1937) initially embarked on a Naval career, but
later changed direction in 1896 after meeting Vincent D’Indy and became one of the first
pupils at the newly formed Schola Cantorum.
He was a prolific composer, writing in many genres, and gradually became one of the
leading figures in modern music during the early decades of the 20th-century, both in France
and abroad. His early works were partly influenced by Debussy and D’Indy but his own
distinctive and individual voice gradually emerged enabling him to create works of melodic
impetus with a free sense of modality and rhythmic drive. Polyphony became an increasingly
important aspect of his music and, although completely overshadowed by the music of
Maurice Ravel, was a significant and inventive composer worthy of revival today.