Paul Duca

Paul Abraham Dukas (French: Paul Abraham Dukas, October 1, 1865 - May 17, 1935), French composer. Ducasse won the second prize of the Prix de Rome in 1882. His early creative style was deeply influenced by Wagner, and he was known for his rich and colorful orchestration. His debut work, the symphonic poem "Polyekite", premiered on January 23, 1892, and he became famous with "The Sorcerer's Disciple" in 1897. This orchestral piece later became famous as the centerpiece of Disney's classic animated film Fantasia. His works are not numerous in number but have a large proportion of fine works, including the ballet "La Sylphide" and the opera "Arianna and Bluebeard". Ducasse graduated from the Paris Conservatory of Music in 1888; he served as professor of composition at the Academy twice from 1910 to 1913 and from 1928 to 1935. His students included a large number of famous composers. Among them are the blind Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, Messiaen, one of the most important composers of the 20th century, and the Chinese composer Xian Xinghai.