Retchitzky Marcel (Mayor)
(20. 02. 1924 - 25. 05. 2019)
Retchitzky Marcel (Mayor)
(GE)
(GE)
Genre: Classical Music
Biography
* 20. 02. 1924, † 25. 05. 2019.
Marcel Retchitzky, whose parents were from Kherson in Ukraine, was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He attended the Conservatory in Geneva at the earliest possible age to learn the violin and graduated as a pupil of Mr. Eugene Berthoud. He also studied composition, orchestration and other theoretical branches of music with professors such as Reymond, Frank Martin, Fernand Closset and Samuel Baud-Bovy, who taught him orchestral conducting.
He then studied composition in Israel in 1949 and 1950 with Endre Hayos, a former pupil of Zoltan Kodaly and Leo Weiner. He later moved to Paris for three years (1950 -1953) accomplishing various musical commissions including several film scores during his stay there. He went on to study orchestral conducting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria with Igor Markevitch and in 1959 with Erich Leinsdorf.
In 1960, he married the American singer Fanni L. Jones and settled in Geneva where most of his musical works were completed as commissions for radio Geneva.
Principle Genres:
Chamber music, symphony music, concerts and operas.
Marcel Retchitzky, whose parents were from Kherson in Ukraine, was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He attended the Conservatory in Geneva at the earliest possible age to learn the violin and graduated as a pupil of Mr. Eugene Berthoud. He also studied composition, orchestration and other theoretical branches of music with professors such as Reymond, Frank Martin, Fernand Closset and Samuel Baud-Bovy, who taught him orchestral conducting.
He then studied composition in Israel in 1949 and 1950 with Endre Hayos, a former pupil of Zoltan Kodaly and Leo Weiner. He later moved to Paris for three years (1950 -1953) accomplishing various musical commissions including several film scores during his stay there. He went on to study orchestral conducting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria with Igor Markevitch and in 1959 with Erich Leinsdorf.
In 1960, he married the American singer Fanni L. Jones and settled in Geneva where most of his musical works were completed as commissions for radio Geneva.
Principle Genres:
Chamber music, symphony music, concerts and operas.
Work list
Quatuor No 1 (1949-1950)
Instrumentation: for string quartet
Largo - Allegretto - Tempo di Minuetto - Allegro ma non troppo.
Duration: 23' 00"
Manuscript
Quatuor No 2 (1949-1950/1994)
Instrumentation: for string quartet
Andante sostenuto - Allegro moderato - Sostenuto - Moderato e Allegro.
Duration: 19' 00"
Manuscript
Symphonie No 1 en ré (1950-1951/1959)
Classical
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.2.2.2/1.2.0.0/timp/8.8.6.6.4)
Largo, Allegro con anima - Andantino - Scherzo - Allegro con moto.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.2.2.2/1.2.0.0/timp/8.8.6.6.4)
Largo, Allegro con anima - Andantino - Scherzo - Allegro con moto.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Quatuor No 3 (1951)
Instrumentation: for string quartet
Allegro moderato - Andante - Tempo di Minuetto - Allegro.
Duration: 26' 00"
Manuscript
Symphonie No 2 dite "Haydn Symphony" (1952)
Masonic symphony in memory of J. Anderson
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.1.2.0/2.2.0.0/timp/8.8.6.6.4)
Duration: 22' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.1.2.0/2.2.0.0/timp/8.8.6.6.4)
Duration: 22' 00"
Manuscript
Symphonie en trois mouvements (1953/1990)
The three Cs
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.pic.2.2.2/4.4.3.1/perc/xyl/12.12.6.6.4)
Uses polytonality.
Allegro vivace - Moderato - Allegro sostenuto e finale.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for orchestra (2.pic.2.2.2/4.4.3.1/perc/xyl/12.12.6.6.4)
Uses polytonality.
Allegro vivace - Moderato - Allegro sostenuto e finale.
Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript
Concerto (1959/1989)
Instrumentation: for piano and orchestra (2(pic).2.2.2/2.2.0.0/timp/8.8.6.6.3)
Allegro - Andante - Finale.
Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript
Rapsodie d'après le "Cantique des Cantiques" (1960-1961)
Instrumentation: for mezzo-soprano and orchestra (2.2.2.2/2.2.3.1/2perc/8.8.6.6.3)
Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript
Humulus le Muet (1964-1965)
Chamber opera
Texts: Jean Anouilh, Jean Aurenche
A farce taken from the piece with the same title and published in the collection 'Jeux Dramatiques'.
Cast:
2 pianos, 3 percussionists-vibraphonists and xylophonist.
5 characters: La Duchesse (soprano), Hélène (soprano), Le Gouverneur (baritone), Hector de Brignoc (bass-baritone), Humulus(actor).
Duration: 32' 00"
Manuscript
Texts: Jean Anouilh, Jean Aurenche
A farce taken from the piece with the same title and published in the collection 'Jeux Dramatiques'.
Cast:
2 pianos, 3 percussionists-vibraphonists and xylophonist.
5 characters: La Duchesse (soprano), Hélène (soprano), Le Gouverneur (baritone), Hector de Brignoc (bass-baritone), Humulus(actor).
Duration: 32' 00"
Manuscript
Humulus le Muet (1964-1966/1976)
Chamber opera
Texts: Jean Anouilh, Jean Aurenche
A farce taken from the piece with the same title and published in the collection 'Jeux Dramatiques'. A new version commissioned by Television Suisse Romande.
Cast:
2 pianos, 3 percussionists, 1 clarinet, 1 trombone.
6 characters: La Duchesse (soprano), Hélène (soprano), Le Gouverneur (baritone), Hector de Brignoc (bass-baritone), Humulus as a child and Humulus as an adult (actors).
Duration: 40' 00"
Manuscript
Texts: Jean Anouilh, Jean Aurenche
A farce taken from the piece with the same title and published in the collection 'Jeux Dramatiques'. A new version commissioned by Television Suisse Romande.
Cast:
2 pianos, 3 percussionists, 1 clarinet, 1 trombone.
6 characters: La Duchesse (soprano), Hélène (soprano), Le Gouverneur (baritone), Hector de Brignoc (bass-baritone), Humulus as a child and Humulus as an adult (actors).
Duration: 40' 00"
Manuscript
L'Herbe d'Erreur (1975-1978)
Chamber opera
Texts: Jean Variot
A popular Bretonic tale.
Score: 1(pic)1.1.1/1.1.0.0/hp/timp.3perc/8.8.6.6.3
4 voices and an actor: a Dame, an aged woman, an Hungarian hussar, a cow (these first four roles can be played by a single soprano), the washer woman (mezzo-soprano), the man (baritone), the watchman of the city (bass) and an actor to play the role of a butcher.
Manuscript
Texts: Jean Variot
A popular Bretonic tale.
Score: 1(pic)1.1.1/1.1.0.0/hp/timp.3perc/8.8.6.6.3
4 voices and an actor: a Dame, an aged woman, an Hungarian hussar, a cow (these first four roles can be played by a single soprano), the washer woman (mezzo-soprano), the man (baritone), the watchman of the city (bass) and an actor to play the role of a butcher.
Manuscript
Jacques ou la Soumission (1981-1982/1990)
Opera
'Jacques ou la Soumission' (this piece is about to become metamorphosed into an opera) is the introduction to the opera 'L‘Avenir est dans les Oeufs' which is to be played after 'Jacques ou la Soumission'.
Orchestration: 2.1.2.0/1.2.1.0/vib.xyl.glock7perc/str(min: 3.3.3.3.1)
9 people: Jacques, Jacqueline, his sister, Jacques-père, Jacques-mère, Jacques grand-père. Jacques grand-mère, Roberte 1 and Roberte 2 (these two roles are to be played by the same actress), Robert-père and Robert-mère.
In addition to these people the opera requires 3 male singers (tenors or light baritones), 4 female singers (2 sopranos and 2 mezzos). Jacques grand-père and Jacques grand-mère can be played by actors with a good knowledge of music.
Duration: 45' 00"
Manuscript
'Jacques ou la Soumission' (this piece is about to become metamorphosed into an opera) is the introduction to the opera 'L‘Avenir est dans les Oeufs' which is to be played after 'Jacques ou la Soumission'.
Orchestration: 2.1.2.0/1.2.1.0/vib.xyl.glock7perc/str(min: 3.3.3.3.1)
9 people: Jacques, Jacqueline, his sister, Jacques-père, Jacques-mère, Jacques grand-père. Jacques grand-mère, Roberte 1 and Roberte 2 (these two roles are to be played by the same actress), Robert-père and Robert-mère.
In addition to these people the opera requires 3 male singers (tenors or light baritones), 4 female singers (2 sopranos and 2 mezzos). Jacques grand-père and Jacques grand-mère can be played by actors with a good knowledge of music.
Duration: 45' 00"
Manuscript
L'Avenir est dans les Oeufs (1981-1982/1990)
Opera
Texts: Eugène Ionesco
The denouement of the first piece 'Jacques au la Soumission' becomes the starting point of 'L‘Avenir est dans les Oeufs'. Cowered, fascinated by each other, and imprisoned in the marvellous universe of love, Jacques and Roberte purr and are completely absorbed in doing what cats do.
The cast and the orchestration are the same as in 'Jacques ou la Soumission'.
Orchestration: 2.1.2.0/1.2.1.0/vob.xyl.glock/perc/str(min:3.3.3.3.1))
9 people: Jacques, Jacqueline, his sister, Jacques-père, Jacques-mère, Jacques grand-père. Jacques grand-mère, Roberte 1 and Roberte 2 (these two roles are to be played by the same actress), Robert-père and Robert-mère.
In addition to these people the opera requires 3 male singers (tenors or light baritones), 4 female singers (2 sopranos and 2 mezzos). Jacques grand-père and Jacques grand-mère can be played by actors with a agood knowledge of music.
Duration: 45' 00"
Manuscript
Texts: Eugène Ionesco
The denouement of the first piece 'Jacques au la Soumission' becomes the starting point of 'L‘Avenir est dans les Oeufs'. Cowered, fascinated by each other, and imprisoned in the marvellous universe of love, Jacques and Roberte purr and are completely absorbed in doing what cats do.
The cast and the orchestration are the same as in 'Jacques ou la Soumission'.
Orchestration: 2.1.2.0/1.2.1.0/vob.xyl.glock/perc/str(min:3.3.3.3.1))
9 people: Jacques, Jacqueline, his sister, Jacques-père, Jacques-mère, Jacques grand-père. Jacques grand-mère, Roberte 1 and Roberte 2 (these two roles are to be played by the same actress), Robert-père and Robert-mère.
In addition to these people the opera requires 3 male singers (tenors or light baritones), 4 female singers (2 sopranos and 2 mezzos). Jacques grand-père and Jacques grand-mère can be played by actors with a agood knowledge of music.
Duration: 45' 00"
Manuscript
The Bald Prima Donna (La Cantatrice chauve) (1986-1988/1996)
Opera
Texts: Eugène Ionesco
Orchestra: 2(pic).2.2.2/2.2.3.1/timp.3perc/8.8.6.6.3
6 Characters: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, Mary the maid and the Captain of the Fire Brigade.
Also: A reduced score for voices and piano / vocal score.
Individual instrument parts available from the composer.
Duration: 2h 05' 00"
Manuscript
Texts: Eugène Ionesco
Orchestra: 2(pic).2.2.2/2.2.3.1/timp.3perc/8.8.6.6.3
6 Characters: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, Mary the maid and the Captain of the Fire Brigade.
Also: A reduced score for voices and piano / vocal score.
Individual instrument parts available from the composer.
Duration: 2h 05' 00"
Manuscript
The Bald Prima Donna (La Cantatrice chauve) (1986-1988/2003)
Opera
Reorchestration: 1.1.1.1/0.1.3.0/4perc/string quartet
6 Characters: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, Mary the maid and the Captain of the Fire Brigade.
Also: A reduced score for voices and piano / vocal score.
Individual instrument parts available from the composer.
Duration: 2h 05' 00"
Manuscript
Reorchestration: 1.1.1.1/0.1.3.0/4perc/string quartet
6 Characters: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, Mary the maid and the Captain of the Fire Brigade.
Also: A reduced score for voices and piano / vocal score.
Individual instrument parts available from the composer.
Duration: 2h 05' 00"
Manuscript
Symphonie No 4 (1992-1994)
The USA Suite
Instrumentation: for four soloists, choir and orchestra (2(pic).2(ca).2.2(cbn)/2.2.3.0/3perc/10.8.8.6.4)
1. Prelude: 'The Builders' by Henri Wadsworth Longfellow. Mezzo-soprano and orchestra
2. Allegro: Variation and divertimento 'The Eternal Goodness' after John Greenleaf. Choir and orchestra
3. Interlude, presto: Variations over 'Didn‘t it rain', Negro spiritual. Orchestra alone
4. Allegretto: Variations over 'Calvary' Negro spiritual. Soli and orchestra
5. Final presto: Variations over ‘Give me your hand' Negro Spiritual. Choir and orchestra
Duration: 34' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for four soloists, choir and orchestra (2(pic).2(ca).2.2(cbn)/2.2.3.0/3perc/10.8.8.6.4)
1. Prelude: 'The Builders' by Henri Wadsworth Longfellow. Mezzo-soprano and orchestra
2. Allegro: Variation and divertimento 'The Eternal Goodness' after John Greenleaf. Choir and orchestra
3. Interlude, presto: Variations over 'Didn‘t it rain', Negro spiritual. Orchestra alone
4. Allegretto: Variations over 'Calvary' Negro spiritual. Soli and orchestra
5. Final presto: Variations over ‘Give me your hand' Negro Spiritual. Choir and orchestra
Duration: 34' 00"
Manuscript
3 Images (1999)
Instrumentation: for violin and piano
Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript
Last updated: 2020-10-06 16:48:10