Markevich, Igor (1912–1983)

Russian-born Italian conductor and composer. He was conductor of the Lamoureux Orchestra, Paris 1958–61, and of the Monte Carlo Orchestra from 1967.

His parents emigrated and lived in Switzerland, but he went to Paris at the age of 15 and studied composition under Nadia Boulanger. His austere ballet L'Envol d'Icare/The Flight of Icarus 1932 influenced Bartók. Early in his career he was a protégé of Diaghilev, and was one of his lovers. He became an Italian citizen during war years. After World War II he concentrated on conducting, specializing in Russian and French composers 1880–1950.

Works Ballet Rébus (1931) and L'Envoi d'Icare (1932).

Vocal cantata Le Paradis Perdu/Paradise Lost 1933–35 to words by Milton (performed London, 1935) and others, Cantique d'Amour, Nouvel Age, cantata for soprano and male-voice chorus (Jean Cocteau).

Orchestral Hymnes, concerto grosso and sinfonietta for orchestra; concerto and partita for piano and orchestra; Galop for small orchestra; psalm for soprano and orchestra.

Other serenade for violin, clarinet, and bassoon.