Jules Strens
Biography
Jules Strens (1893 - 1971, Brussels) was a Belgian composer.
Strens studied orchestration with Paul Gilson and violin at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels. In 1926 he became associated with a group of young, progressive composition students known as the Synthétistes.
Strens’ career as a professional musician began with his 1922 appointment as principal violinist at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. From 1931 to 1934 he conducted the Association Symphonique de Bruxelles. Later in life he became active as an organist.
As a composer he was self-taught and prolific, sometimes mixing the grotesque with impressionist colors in a style that remained fundamentally romantic. His first compositions were undeniably influenced by Richard Strauss and his symphonic variations entitled Gil Blas are a good example. The most predominant element in the evolution of his style is the use and study of polyrhythmics.
Works for Winds
- Carnaval d’été (1939)
- Danse Funambulesque (1925/1930/2006)
- Danse tragique (1938)
- Gil Blas (1921/1955)
- Préludes Lyriques (1927)
- Quartetto (1950)
- Quintette op.34 (1943)
- Rapsodie Polyrythmique (1953/2017)
- Sur des Airs de Chasse (1951)
- Trio Op. 50, for Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon (1954)
Resources
- Prescott, Kyle. "Danse funambulesque." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 6, edit. & comp. by Richard Miles, 800-808. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2007.