André Caplet: Centenary of his Death.

I guess that the centenary of the death of André Caplet will not be recalled by many folks during 2025. Certainly, there is little mention of this anniversary on the news feeds. I first heard of him in 1974 when perusing the track listing of Jean Martinon’s epic recording of Debussy’s Orchestral Works issued on HMV SLS 893 during that year. Caplet was responsible for the orchestration of the elder composer’s whimsical but enchanting La Boite à Joujoux, and his charming Children’s Corner Suite. I later found out that he transcribed the ubiquitous Clair de Lune from the Suite Bergamasque, and Pagodes from Estampes for orchestra. He assisted Debussy with the orchestration of now rarely performed Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien.

André Caplet was a French composer and conductor whose work is often associated with the impressionistic movement in music, though his style evolved to encompass elements of both romanticism and modernism. Born in Le Havre on 23 November 1878, Caplet was a well-regarded figure in early 20th-century French music, noted for his mastery of orchestration and his contributions to both vocal and chamber music.

Caplet’s musical education began at the Paris Conservatory in 1896, where he studied under several then-eminent teachers. This helped him develop a solid technical foundation. Caplet was the recipient of various prestigious awards, including the Prix de Rome in 1901, which allowed him to study at the Villa Medici in Rome. It was his exposure to the Impressionist movement, particularly through the works of Claude Debussy, which would leave a lasting impact on his style. His music is marked by rich textures, innovative use of orchestration, and a keen sense of colour. His work as a conductor allowed him to experiment with orchestral sonorities, and his compositions often feature subtle and evocative instrumentation. Caplet’s compositions include works like his Epiphany, a musical fresco based on an Ethiopian legend and Le Masque de la mort rouge – a symphonic study after Edgar Allan Poe. There were many songs, and a few piano pieces.

Caplet was an influential figure in the Parisian music scene, often performing his own works and championing the music of others, including Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. He was highly respected by his peers, and his contributions were recognized during his lifetime. In 1912, Caplet became the Boston Opera Company’s musical director.

Tragically, Caplet’s life was cut short by illness. He died at Neuilly-sur-Seine on 22 April 1925 at the age of forty-six from complications related to the Spanish flu pandemic and wartime gassing. Despite his short life, Caplet’s works left a significant mark on the development of French music during the early 20th century.

Listen to André Caplet’s Légende, poème symphonique for orchestra (1903 orch. 1904) on YouTube, here. The Orchestre Philharmonique De L'Etat De Rhénanie-Palatinat is conducted by Leif Segerstam.