He passed away early Saturday morning. Here is a video of Legrand singing the French original of his “Windmills of Your Mind”. But Legrand’s music and talent was much more than this.
Les Moulins de mon cœur
His music speaks for itself to a certain generation.
One of the greats . " Summer of '42 " is one of the most touching coming of age tales ever. His music captured the mood with perfection .
I loved the movie Les Parapluies du Cherbourg, and it's theme song one of my favorites.
Here’s a Terri Gross interview from today’s Fresh Air.
https://www.npr.org/2019/01/28/689314329/remembering-academy-award-winning-composer-michel-legrand
I am a big fan and his is a big loss. Love his work on Barbra Streisand’s Yentl and his music for the Jacques Demy musicals.
At present his masterpiece PEAU D’ÂNE is playing in play form at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris. It was the highlight of my last trip and the last big project he has done. Not sure how long it is playing.
Steven, you’re so right about his music capturing the film’s mood perfectly, “The Summer Knows”.
Phil, yes the music of the Parapluies theme “If it takes forever I will wait for you” communicates the emotions of the star crossed couple more deeply than words.
Bets, I always love Fresh Air. Thanks for sharing the fascinating interview with Legrand talking about his craft.
Peau d'âne at the Marigny! Alexander, how lucky to be in Paris when it was playing. The show closes mid February. What did you think of the adaptation and the Marigny renovations?
By the way, the “Michel Legrand and Friends” show scheduled at the Rex in April is still happening as a tribute, with more stars signing on by the minute. Should be quite a night if any tickets left!
