Pierre Vellones

Pierre Vellones [Rousseau, Pierre]: (b Paris, 29 March 1889; d Paris, 17 July 1939). French composer.

He began his musical studies with Jean Hugues Louvier, and then taught himself. His wish to become a professional musician clashed with his father’s will, and he was obliged to study medicine; he worked as a doctor until his early death, and was a pioneer in the use of electrotherapy. However, composition was his second profession, and he soon made his mark with works whose originality won him a considerable place in the musical life of Paris between the wars. All his life Vellones showed a lively interest in new timbres and unusual instrumental ensembles; from 1930 onwards he was one of the first composers to write for the ondes martenot. Another of his favourite instruments was the saxophone, for which he wrote a concerto, and which he used in various ensembles including symphonic jazz groups. He was also fascinated by percussion, and he introduced Tibetan instruments into his ballet Le paradis d’Amitabha.