By training a naval officer, the French composer Albert Roussel devoted himself fully to music from 1894, studying and teaching at the Schola Cantorum established by César Franck’s disciple Vincent d’Indy. He remained apart from the principal fashionable trends in the music of his time, while continuing to enjoy considerable respect as a composer.

Stage Works
Two ballet scores by Roussel have won some place in orchestral repertoire. These are Le Festin de l’araignée (‘The Spider’s Banquet’) and Bacchus et Ariane.