Many composers sought and found refuge in Switzerland before and during the Second World War. If one were to ask about Swiss composers of international reputation and renown during the first half of the 20th century, generally only two names emerge: Arthur Honegger and Frank Martin. The latter was born as the son of a Calvinist pastor near Geneva and figures today among the most significant composers of the 20th century. Early in his creative life, Martin set himself apart from the late romantic-impressionistic style prevalent at the start of the century and concentrated first on extra-European musical cultures and then on Arnold Schönberg’s twelve-tone technique. All these influences form a synthesis in his work, in which Martin’s own personal style is always recognizable
born on September 15, 1890 near Geneva
died on November 21, 1974 in Naarden