André, Maurice

(1933- )

   musician

   Born in Ales, Maurice André, who is known for his virtuosity, broad musical interests, and flamboyant personality, was one of the first modern trumpet players to have a career as an individual performer rather than as a member of an orchestra. André took up trumpet playing as a youth while he worked in a coal mine. He was taught by his father, an amateur musician, and, in 1951, he studied musicology and trumpet at the paris Conservatory. There, he twice (1952, 1953) won the prestigious prix d'Honneur for his performance on the cornet and trumpet. He played with such major ensembles as the Paris Radio Orchestra (1953-62), the Lamoureux orchestra (1953-60), and the orchestra of the Opéra-Comique (1966-67). Playing also in jazz groups, he won the international music competition in Geneva (195 3) and the German Radio Competition in 1963. He then began a famed international career as a trumpet soloist, touring with an orchestra from Stuttgart, Germany. André, who is a specialist in the ornate and difficult repertoire of 18th-century music, has been recognized also for his modern works. A number of these were written for him by such noted composers as a. jolivet, h. tomasi, and B. Blacher. André has made nearly 300 recordings, including over 30 various trumpet concertos.