Charles Koechlin

French composer Charles Koechlin (1867-1950). His 'technique of musical continuation' enabled him both to express himself in more broadly dimensioned forms and to apply the new musical possibilities which arose after 1920 to his own orchestral creations. His compositions make no secret of his deep affinity with Bach. An extraodinary master of his resources, he became one of the most highly respected teachers of his generation with pupils like Poulenc, Sauguet and Milhaud, who also remained lifelong friends. The last twenty years of his life produced a rich harvest of orchestral works. Koechlin died in his house in Le Canadel on the shores of the Mediterranean on December 31 1950.