Joseph Kosma: The Composer Behind Autumn Leaves
Hungarian-French composer renowned for his film scores and the iconic song 'Les Feuilles Mortes' (Autumn Leaves).
Born in Budapest, Kosma studied at the Academy of Music under Béla Bartók. He fled rising fascism in Europe in the 1930s, settling in Paris. There, he collaborated extensively with poet Jacques Prévert and director Marcel Carné, creating memorable scores for French cinema's 'Poetic Realism' movement. His most famous composition, 'Les Feuilles Mortes,' became the global jazz standard 'Autumn Leaves.' Kosma composed over 100 film scores and numerous other songs and orchestral works before his death.
- Fled Nazi persecution: As a Hungarian Jew facing increasing danger, Kosma escaped to Paris in 1933 with the help of filmmaker Lazare Meerson.
- Iconic song born from scandal: The melody for 'Les Feuilles Mortes' was initially part of a ballet score ('Le Rendez-vous') rejected for plagiarism accusations (later disproved). Jacques Prévert added lyrics later for the film 'Les Portes de la Nuit' (1946).
- Film music pioneer: He was a key figure in French cinema's golden age, composing scores for classics like Marcel Carné's 'Le Jour Se Lève' (1939) and 'Les Enfants du Paradis' (1945).
- Cause of death: Kosma died from complications following surgery in 1969.
