Jean Musy – The Legend of a French Film Composer
Jean Musy, born on December 18, 1947 in Levallois-Perret, was a self-taught musician who discovered the piano at the tender age of three. By the age of seven, he began performing as a pianist and accompanist for prominent artists of the time on Jean Nohain’s radio shows on Radio Luxembourg. At sixteen, he formed the “Jean Musy Orchestra,” under which name he recorded his first albums released by WEA.
When Joe Arthey, the arranger for Joe Dassin, fell ill, Musy stepped in at short notice. His arrangement of the hit song “Les Champs-Elysées” for Joe Dassin propelled him to fame within 48 hours. Over the next two decades, Musy crafted arrangements, led orchestras, and played piano for some of the biggest names in music, contributing to over 1000 singles and 200 albums, and becoming renowned as a master of string arrangements.
His collaboration with Francis Lai led him to become a film music composer, working with directors like Claude Lelouch on “Les Uns et les Autres,” David Hamilton on “Bilitis,” Costa-Gavras on “Clair de femme,” and many others. Musy has scored over 200 films and was drawn to all forms of musical composition.
In 2011, he ventured into a new format, creating sound-based stories from Stefan Zweig’s novellas, a concept developed with Anne Marie David called “My Cinema Without Images,” showcasing his talents as a voice actor. This innovative project toured France to great acclaim and recognition.
“My Cinema Without Images” was supported by the French Secretary of State for Disability and Inclusion in 2015 and has been a staple at the Luchon TV Festival since then. The project has expanded internationally, with translations into Spanish, Dutch, and English under UNESCO’s auspices.
In recognition of his extensive work, Musy received the Grand Prix SACEM for music for pictures in 2016 and was honored by the U.C.M.F. with the award for best TV music score in 2017. That same year, Anne Marie David launched “Musical Encounters with Jean Musy,” showcasing his work in music schools and conservatories.
Musy also began a series of “Musical Talks” concerts in 2017, featuring intimate performances intertwined with narrative elements from his film scores. In 2018, a retrospective of his film music was released by Music Box, and he started a tour of ten concerts in ten cathedrals with the “Camerata Ambacia” ensemble, directed by Pascal Caraty.
In 2019, Musy was elected president of the Union of Film Music Composers (U.C.M.F.) and premiered an oratorio about the English saint and king, Edmund, which he co-created with Anne-Marie David. This piece was first performed in France and was set for an English premiere in Bury St Edmunds under high patronage.
Continuing to innovate with new projects, Musy was involved in the 2024 premiere of “Memories of Oradour,” a sound-based film inspired by Robert Hebras’s book on the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre, until his passing on April 28, 2024. His enduring influence and unique musical style kept him at the forefront of the musical world, his fame extending well beyond France. His continual quest for emotional depth ensured that Jean Musy remained a vital and unpredictable figure in the music industry.
“Edmund: The Legend of a King” The Bury St Edmunds Connection
One of Musy’s final projects, “Edmund: The Legend of a King,” is an orchestral masterpiece that draws inspiration from the life of St. Edmund, the first patron saint of England. This work, yet to be performed or recorded, promises to be a significant cultural contribution, melding historical reverence with musical innovation.
In 2017 Jean Musy performed for a small group of distinguished guest at St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds. He was visiting the town to get a feel for the location, and to feel the presence of Edmund.
Anne-Marie David & Jean Musy visited Bury St Edmunds in 2017
Anticipated Themes in “Edmund”
– Heroism and Sacrifice: The score explores themes of valour and martyrdom, reflective of St. Edmund’s life.
– Regal Undertones: Rich with royal motifs, mirroring the saint’s status and historical impact, and references to what we know about Edmund.
As the world awaits its debut, “Edmund: The Legend of a King” stands as a potential landmark in posthumous appreciation of Musy’s artistic contributions.
Conclusion
Jean Musy’s impact on music and culture extends beyond the notes he penned and the films he scored. His work continues to inspire and influence artists across various domains. As the arts community mourns his loss, they also celebrate the rich, melodic legacy he leaves behind—a symphony of collaborations, cinematic scores, and an unwavering passion for the confluence of music and storytelling. Jean Musy was not just a composer; he was a storyteller whose medium was melody and whose canvas was the heart of the audience.
As we anticipate the premiere of “Edmund: The Legend of a King,” we hold onto the promise of one last journey with Musy, a fitting swan song for a maestro whose music transcended boundaries and epochs. His melodies may fade, but the echoes of his artistic genius will resonate for generations to come.
BORN December 18, 1947 Levallois-Perret
NATIONALITY French
DEATH April 27, 2024 (at age 76)
OCCUPATION Composer & Arranger
