The violin works of Darius Milhaud

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the numerous compositions by Darius Milhaud in which the violin plays an important role. Included here are discussions of the works for violin and piano, violin and orchestra, solo violin, and all chamber music which includes violin for three or fewer players. The eighteen string quartets, for instance, are not dealt with here, as these works alone could be the subject of an entire volume. Also included is a brief biography of the composer and a general discussion of Milhaud's music. The major compositions which include violin are then discussed individually. Resources for this thesis were obtained from materials at the libraries at the University of Arizona, Tucson, and through inter-library loan from the libraries of Mills College, the University of Illinois, the University of Oregon, and the University of Colorado. Other information was gained from Milhaud's autobiography, "Notes Without Music ", and from correspondence with Madeleine Milhaud, the composer's widow.