Paul Abraham Dukas (Oct. 1, 1865 - May 17, 1935)  was a French composer, professor, and critic, born in to a Jewish family. The second of three children, Dukas didn't show any extraordinary musical talent, despite taking piano from a young age, until his teenage years, when he started to compose while recovering from an illness. When he was 16 years old, he entered the Paris Conservatory, studying piano with George Mathias, harmony with Théodore Dubois, and composition with Ernest Guiraud. While he was there, he won several prizes, including second place for the coveted award Prix De Rome. He was upset he didn't win the top prize however, and left the university in 1889. After compulsory military service, he devoted himself to composing and has a career as a critic as well. He later on became Professor of Composition at the Paris Conservatory and also taught at the École Normale de Musique. 

When it came to composing, Dukas what an absolute perfectionist, and was known to throw away his compositions; sadly as a result, not many of his works remain. Thankfully, Villanelle is one that did. Written for the horn studio of the Paris Conservatory in 1906, it's an etude of sorts filled with both technical challenges and strong melodic work. The horn opens with a confident call, then repeated as if an echo, and then opens up to the beginning theme. As the work goes on, Dukas adds some tricky fast lines and stopped notes, but never sacrifices the melody for technical work. Dukas' work highlights the abilities of this versatile instrument and creates a satisfying challenge for the horn player, and a satisfying listen for the audience.

There are a couple recordings of this great piece for you to enjoy!

Gregory Miller

Peter Damm