Jean Wiener, born on March 19, 1896, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, was a renowned French pianist and composer. His musical journey began at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied alongside the likes of Darius Milhaud and worked under the tutelage of Erik Satie.
Wiener's early career was marked by a stint as a concert impresario, composer, and pianist. He held the position of house pianist at the Gaya bar and later at Le Boeuf sur le Toit, where he developed a passion for jazz. It was during this period that he met Clement Doucet, a chance encounter that would lead to a lifelong friendship and musical partnership.
As "Wiener et Doucet," the duo gained fame across Europe's music halls, performing a unique blend of classical music, hot dance, and jazz. Between 1925 and 1937, they recorded numerous duets, cementing their status as a beloved musical act.
Following World War II, Wiener dedicated himself to composition, with a focus on film music. He worked on over 300 film scores and even composed the opening theme music for ORTF's film history program "History speechless" (History without words).
Throughout his career, Wiener was instrumental in promoting new music, collaborating with prominent composers such as Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern. His compositions were characterized by their unique blend of jazz and French wit and elegance.
Wiener's personal life was also marked by his love for his family. His daughter, Elizabeth Wiener, is a talented actress, singer, and singer-songwriter.
In 1978, Wiener published his memoirs, titled Allegro Appassionato, providing a glimpse into his remarkable life and career.
Source: Wikipedia article "Jean Wiener"
