Haas, Monique (1906–1987)
Haas, Monique (1906–1987)
French composer and pianist known for her fine recordings of major works. Born in Paris, France, on October 20, 1906; died in Paris on June 9, 1987; won the coveted Grand Prix du Disque award in 1954.
Monique Haas studied piano with Lazare-Lévy, receiving a first prize in his class in 1927. She continued her education with lessons from Robert Casadesus and Rudolf Serkin. Her excellent Debussy and Ravel recordings revealed a sharp intellect conquering the technical problems created by the composers. Her recordings of Chopin, Schumann, Bartok, Hindemith and Stravinsky are a testimony to her skill in creating order in often complex musical pathways. During her career, Haas performed and recorded with such stellar musicians as Igor Stravinsky, Paul Hindemith, Georges Enesco, Pierre Fournier, Paul Paray, Ferenc Fricsay and Eugen Jochum. Her recording of Debussy's Etudes won the coveted Grand Prix du Disque award in 1954. She made her New York debut in 1960 with Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A number of distinguished composers, including Florent Schmitt and Darius Milhaud, dedicated piano works to her.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia