Born in 1992, Nicolas entered the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Montpellier at the age of seven to learn double bass, music theory and singing. After obtaining a literary baccalaureate specializing in music, Nicolas Dedieu turned to musical writing, which he studied from 2013 at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. He also obtained a diploma in higher harmony and a certificate in orchestration. He then joined the C.R.R in Paris to obtain a D.E.M in orchestration, validated in 2019 under the direction of Anthony Girard. Nicolas teaches musical writing while devoting himself to composition. Passionate about French music, his favorite composers include, among others: Fauré, Duparc, Debussy, Ravel, De Séverac, Duruflé…Dedieu’s musical language is intended to reflect these admirations, even if his music sometimes incorporates more romantic influences. Recently, Nicolas had the opportunity to have several of his works performed in France, as well as abroad, in Georgia, on the occasion of the Bidzina Kvernadze International Music Festival, in collaboration with the musicians of the Rustaveli National Theatre in Tbilisi.
1. When and how did you realize that your whole life would be linked to music?
As far back as I can remember, music has always been a part of my life, since I started practicing it at a very young age. But it was only later, when I tried my hand at composition, that I understood that I wanted to make it my profession.
2. Which composer has most influenced your musical imagination?
Maurice Ravel is probably the composer who influenced me the most, but generally speaking, I was particularly attracted and inspired by the French composers of the belle époque (Fauré, Duparc, Debussy, De Séverac …).
Among the more recent composers, I would mention Maurice Duruflé, whose music touches me a lot, and my teachers, Stéphane Delplace and Anthony Girard, who had a certain influence on my language.
3. What is your main creative motto?
When I write, I try to aim for the happy medium between emotion and subtlety. For me, music should speak to our hearts as much as to our minds. I find that current music still oscillates too much between atonal/conceptual music (which is emotionally sterile) and so-called “neo-classical” music, which, in reality, is more like variety, and lacks complexity and depth. This is partly why I study the great masters of the past as a priority. When you listen to Ravel’s string quartet, for example, you are amazed by the finesse of the harmonies, but also deeply moved!
4. What would you like to express during your performance at the festíval? What will your program consist of, and why this choice?
I would like to introduce the audience to my piano music, which, although of a fairly modest scale,
reflects my desire to follow in the footsteps of my illustrious French predecessor
5. What goals do you set for yourself, and what projects do you have on the horizon?
I currently have a YouTube channel, on which I share tutorials to teach musicians how to compose. I would like to continue to develop it, while continuing to compose and learn the piano. I am also the co-founder of an association, Les Compositeurs Associés, which organizes concerts aimed at promoting contemporary tonal music.
6. How do you see the future of piano music?
It is difficult to answer this question, not being a trained pianist. But generally speaking, I have the feel that composers of my generation are returning to tonal music, which is, I think, a good thing, provided we
do not fall into an excess of simplicity, which would also make us vulnerable to artificial intelligence
7. What does Paris represent for you? Do you have a special relationship with this city, and why did you accept the invitation to participate in the festival?
I only lived in Paris when I was 21. I had a hard time adjusting to the city at first, but I gradually learned and appreciate it, for the richness of its history and culture. I was therefore very happy to have the opportunity to participate in this festival on the Île Saint-Louis, whose charm I really appreciate, and where Henri Dutilleux once lived!
Discover Piano Revenge Festival and Nicolas Dedieu’s Music!