Darius Milhaud (1892–1974) was one of the most inventive voices of 20th-century music, known for his ability to make almost anything swing—whether it was a symphony, ballet, or opera. Born in Provence, Milhaud grew up surrounded by Mediterranean culture, which colored his music with warmth and rhythm. As a young man, he became part of Les Six, a group of French composers who wanted to free music from heavy German romanticism and impressionist haze.

Milhaud’s adventurous spirit took him across the world. While serving as a diplomat in Brazil, he absorbed the vibrant sounds of samba and carnival, which later exploded in works like Le Boeuf sur le Toit. Travels to the United States to flee the Nazis in 1940 brought him into the world of Harlem jazz, another influence he joyfully folded into his music. Milhaud was also a master of polytonality - layering different keys at the same time - giving his pieces a surprising, energetic sparkle.  He is also noted for his use of jazz and the saxophone in his works. 

Forced to flee Nazi-occupied France, Milhaud came to America in 1940 and settled in Oakland, CA with his family, where he became a beloved teacher at Mills College in California. Among his students were jazz legend Dave Brubeck, pops composer legend Burt Bacharach, and minimalist pioneers Philip Glass and Steve Reich - proof of his wide-ranging impact. Despite chronic illness and pain, Milhaud’s spirit remained exuberant, and his catalog grew to over 400 works. His music, like his personality, is witty, colorful, and brimming with life.

Here is our executive Director's favorite Milhaud composition, the ballet,  Le Boeuf sur le Toit (The Ox on the Roof), originally intended for a Charlie Chaplin film, courtesy of Sylvain Cambreling and the SO of Baden-Baden.