French Romantic composer Ernest Chausson died on this day in 1899 — aged just 44.
During his lifetime, Chausson earned a doctorate degree in law but subsequently entered the Paris Conservatory to study composition.
His main musical influences included Jules Massenet, César Franck, and Richard Wagner. Chausson is known for a lush, chromatic compositional style that bridges the romanticism of his mentors and the impressionism that followed.
Chausson completed only 39 opus-numbered compositions, mostly for chamber ensemble and orchestra. His most-performed works include his Poème for violin and orchestra, Op. 25; Piano Quartet, Op. 30; and Symphony in B flat major, Op. 20.
Square Ernest Chausson, an approximately 50-acre park in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, is named after him.
He is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery, in Paris.
