French composer and teacher Darius Milhaud (1892-1974) was a prolific composer of the 20th century as a member of 'Les Six'. His compositions remain highly regarded the Ballet Le Train Bleu being no exception. Milhaud's compositions are influenced by jazz and polytonality as exemplified in Le Train Bleu. Composed in 1924 Le Train Bleu is a Ballet based on a scenario by Jean Cocteau and composed for the Ballets Russes. The title is taken from a night train called The Blue Train which transported wealth passengers from Calais to the Mediterranean Sea. In hisreduction for Piano Milhaud makes use of variation in articulation complex rhythms chromaticism accidentals harmonics altering tempos variation in dynamics and a wide tessitura amongst other aspects. Milhaud's Le Train Bleu is essential to all advanced pianists seeking modern and exciting repertoire.
