STRENS Jules

Bio

Jules STRENS (Brussels, 1893 - Brussels, 1971) studied violin at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and for a while he received advice from Paul Gilson in orchestration. In 1926 he became member of the “Synthétistes” group of young progressive composers of the twenties. They were all pupils of Paul Gilson. He persued a career a violinist and composer. Starting 1922 he was first violinist at the “Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie”. From 1931 to 1934 he was conductor of the “Association Symphonique de Bruxelles”. At the end of his life he was more active as an organist. As a composer, he was self-taught and prolific. His musical production is all embracing and earned him several awards. His first compositions were undeniably influenced by the conceptions of Richard Strauss. His symphonic variations “Gil Blas” are a good example of this tendency. The most predominant element in the evolution of his style is the use and study of polyrhythmics. The most typical compositions written in this technique are “Danse funambulesque”, “Danse tragique” and “Rhapsodie polyrythmique”.