Paul Dukas wrote the iconic and amazing work The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. As we continue our salute to Disney’s Fantasia, he is our Composer of the Week!
b. Oct 1, 1865 in Paris
d. May 17, 1935 in Paris
Paul Dukas studied piano as a child but was not particularly talented. Upon falling ill at age 14, Dukas began composing. He subsequently began studying formally at a conservatory, where he learned about orchestration and conducting in addition to improving his composition skills.
Dukas led a dual career as a music critic and a composer. He composed symphonies, operas, overtures and chamber works. Over time, Dukas became enveloped in a growing self-criticism which impacted his ability to compose.
Though he only published 14 works (there are another couple dozen unpublished and destroyed pieces), he will never be forgotten for the famous and fabulous The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It’s also one of the most famous segments in Fantasia!
Disney’s rendition of Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: