Jean Fournet, French conductor (d. 2008)

Jean Fournet, a distinguished French flutist and conductor, was born on April 14, 1913, in Rouen, France. His remarkable career, spanning nearly a century, left an indelible mark on the classical music world, particularly in the realm of French repertoire and opera. He passed away on November 3, 2008, at the venerable age of 95, having conducted his final concert just three years prior.

Early Life and Musical Foundations

His musical journey began early, guided by his father, himself a flutist, who provided initial instruction in both flute performance and music theory. This strong foundation propelled Fournet to the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, an institution renowned for nurturing classical talent. There, he honed his flute skills under the tutelage of two eminent masters: Gaston Blanquart and Marcel Moyse, the latter a legendary figure whose influence shaped modern flute playing. Simultaneously, he developed his conducting prowess under Philippe Gaubert, a distinguished flutist and conductor himself. This dual mastery was evident from a young age; at just fifteen, Fournet made his performance debut on the flute with the Orchestra of the Théâtre des Arts in Rouen, foreshadowing a life dedicated to music.

Ascendance in France

Fournet's talents quickly saw him transition from a gifted instrumentalist to an acclaimed conductor within his native France. He served as a conductor in Rouen from 1936 to 1940, and subsequently in Marseilles from 1940 to 1944, navigating his early career through the challenging years of World War II. His leadership capabilities were soon recognized, leading to his appointment as director of the esteemed Paris Opéra-Comique, a significant cultural institution, a role he held from 1944 to 1957. During this productive period, he also dedicated himself to shaping future generations of musicians as a professor of conducting at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, teaching there from 1944 to 1962. His reputation began to extend beyond French borders, evidenced by guest conducting appearances with the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra in 1949 and again in 1950, marking his initial forays into the international classical music scene.

Global Recognition: The Dutch Connection

A pivotal moment in Fournet's career came in 1950 with his debut with the world-renowned Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. This marked the beginning of a profound connection with the Netherlands, a country that would become his cherished second home. His relationship with Dutch orchestras deepened when he took on the role of principal guest conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in Hilversum, serving from 1961 to 1968. Beyond his conducting duties, he also imparted his extensive knowledge by teaching conducting in Hilversum. It was in the Netherlands that he found a life partner in Miriam-Hannecart Jakes, an American musician who shared his passion for orchestral music, performing the Cor anglais (English horn) with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra from 1977.

Expanding Horizons: International Engagements

Fournet's leadership extended to other significant European ensembles. He served as music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 1968 to 1973, guiding the ensemble through a period of artistic growth. Following this, he took the helm of the newly established Orchestre National de l’Île de France from 1973 to 1982, playing a crucial role in shaping its identity. His influence then reached Asia, where he became the esteemed conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra from 1983 to 1986. His contributions were so highly valued by the orchestra that he was bestowed the title of Honorary Conductor in 1989, and posthumously in 2008, he received the ultimate recognition as Permanent Honorary Conductor, underscoring the deep respect he commanded.

Across the Atlantic, Fournet's artistry was equally celebrated. He made his American opera debut in 1965 with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, conducting a captivating double bill of Carl Orff's dramatic cantata Carmina Burana and Maurice Ravel's witty one-act opera L'heure espagnole. Decades later, on March 28, 1987, he made his debut with the venerable Metropolitan Opera in New York, leading a performance of Saint-Saëns' grand opera Samson et Dalila, further solidifying his reputation as a master of the French operatic tradition.

A Lasting Legacy and Distinctive Style

Beyond his active conducting roles, Jean Fournet played a significant part in fostering new talent as president of the jury for the prestigious Besançon International Conductor's Competition for many years. He was particularly celebrated in America for his ability to bring authentic French style back to opera, a nuanced approach that had, for a time, become a "lost art" in many American companies. Whether on the opera stage or in the concert hall, Fournet was a compelling interpreter of the French symphonic repertoire, earning acclaim throughout his career. He was known for his calm demeanor, often described as a "gentle perfectionist," a conductor who achieved profound musical results through quiet authority rather than histrionics, rarely needing to raise his voice during rehearsals.

Jean Fournet's career was remarkable not only for its breadth but also for its extraordinary longevity. His final public concert took place in January 2005, a testament to his enduring passion and vigor, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra – the very ensemble that held him in such high regard. At 91 years old, he gracefully retired to his home in Weesp, near Hilversum in the Netherlands, where he passed away in 2008 at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy of recordings and memorable performances that continue to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jean Fournet

When and where was Jean Fournet born?

Jean Fournet was born on April 14, 1913, in Rouen, France.

Who were his notable teachers at the Conservatoire de Paris?

He studied flute with Gaston Blanquart and Marcel Moyse, and conducting with Philippe Gaubert, all distinguished musicians.

What prominent French institutions did he direct?

He was the director of the Paris Opéra-Comique from 1944 to 1957 and also taught at the École Normale de Musique de Paris during a similar period.

How was Jean Fournet connected to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands became his second home after his debut with the Concertgebouw Orchestra in 1950. He served as principal guest conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and later married Miriam-Hannecart Jakes, an American musician from the same orchestra.

Which American opera companies did he conduct for?

He made his American debut with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1965 and later conducted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1987.

What was Jean Fournet's conducting style known for?

He was known as a "gentle perfectionist," achieving his musical vision through calm authority and precision, rarely raising his voice during rehearsals. He was also praised for his authentic interpretation of French repertoire.

When did Jean Fournet conduct his final concert?

His final public concert was in January 2005, at the age of 91, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

When and where did Jean Fournet pass away?

He passed away on November 3, 2008, at the age of 95, at his home in Weesp, near Hilversum in the Netherlands.