Olivier Greif: A Tale of the World

Olivier Greif, born in Paris in 1950, was a French composer of Polish-Jewish heritage whose life and work were deeply influenced by his father's survival of Auschwitz. This profound personal history inspired Greif to create powerful Holocaust-themed compositions, including the haunting "Todesfuge" and the evocative song cycle "Lettres de Westerbork," which sets letters written by Etty Hillesum. Greif's music is a compelling blend of late 20th-century tonal styles, reminiscent of Benjamin Britten and Dmitri Shostakovich, with a strong folk music element and a gestural affinity for Franz Liszt. His compositions often carry a dark, introspective tone, favoring minor modes even within major tonal contexts. A child prodigy, Greif began his musical journey at the age of three and was admitted to the Paris National Conservatory at just ten years old. His extensive body of work includes 23 piano sonatas and the moving "Sonate de Requiem" for cello and piano. Greif's spiritual journey also led him to follow the teachings of Hindu teacher Sri Chinmoy from 1976 onward, adding a layer of spiritual depth to his artistic expression.