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"L'apprenti sorcier" (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) is a famous symphonic poem composed by Paul Dukas. Here are some interesting facts about Paul Dukas and his composition:

1. Inspiration from Goethe: Dukas' "L'apprenti sorcier" was inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1797 poem of the same name. The poem tells the story of a lazy apprentice who uses magic to make a broomstick do his chores, only to lose control of the spell.

2. Debussy Connection: Paul Dukas was a contemporary of the famous French composer Claude Debussy. They shared similar musical interests and were both associated with the Impressionist movement in music. Dukas even taught orchestration at the Paris Conservatoire alongside Debussy.

3. Composition Period: Dukas began working on "L'apprenti sorcier" in 1896 and completed it in 1897. It's considered one of his most famous and enduring compositions.

4. Disney's "Fantasia": "L'apprenti sorcier" gained worldwide fame after it was featured in Disney's animated film "Fantasia" (1940). In the film, it accompanies a segment featuring Mickey Mouse as the apprentice who struggles to control the enchanted broomsticks. This association with Disney made the piece even more widely recognized.

5. Influence on Modern Music: Dukas' composition had a significant influence on later composers, especially in the realm of film music. The use of music to tell a narrative and create a vivid atmosphere can be seen as a precursor to many film scores.

6. Symphonic Structure: "L'apprenti sorcier" is a symphonic poem, a genre that was popular among French composers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a one-movement orchestral piece that tells a story or evokes a specific mood without adhering to traditional symphonic forms.

7. Rarity of Dukas' Works: While "L'apprenti sorcier" is undoubtedly Dukas' most famous composition, he was known for being a perfectionist and didn't produce a large body of work. He composed relatively few pieces, and some of his earlier works were destroyed by the composer himself because he was dissatisfied with them.

8. Critical Acclaim: Despite his limited output, Dukas' works, including "L'apprenti sorcier," were well-received by critics and continue to be performed by orchestras worldwide.

9. Legacy: Paul Dukas is often overshadowed by his contemporaries like Debussy and Ravel, but his contributions to French music are still celebrated. "L'apprenti sorcier" remains a staple of the orchestral repertoire and a testament to his talent as a composer.

"L'apprenti sorcier" is a captivating piece of music that continues to enchant audiences with its vivid storytelling and imaginative orchestration. It showcases Dukas' ability to create evocative and memorable music that has stood the test of time.