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Paul Dukas was a French composer best known for his orchestral work "L'apprenti sorcier" (The Sorcerer's Apprentice). Here are some interesting facts about Paul Dukas and this famous composition:

1. Inspired by Goethe: "L'apprenti sorcier" was inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poem of the same name, which tells the story of a young apprentice who uses magic to bring a broomstick to life but loses control of it. The poem was part of Goethe's 1797 work "Der Zauberlehrling."

2. Composition date: Dukas composed "L'apprenti sorcier" between 1896 and 1897. It was first performed in Paris on May 18, 1897.

3. Influence of Romanticism: The piece is often associated with the Romantic period in music due to its colorful and imaginative orchestration. Dukas was known for his adherence to traditional forms and was influenced by Romantic composers like Wagner and Berlioz.

4. Short but impactful: "L'apprenti sorcier" is a relatively short composition, lasting around 10 minutes. Despite its brevity, it has become one of Dukas's most famous and enduring works.

5. Disney's Fantasia: The piece gained widespread recognition when it was featured in Disney's animated film "Fantasia" in 1940. In the film, Mickey Mouse plays the role of the apprentice who struggles to control the enchanted broomsticks.

6. Variations in orchestration: Dukas was meticulous in his orchestration, using various instruments to represent different characters and elements in the story. This attention to detail contributes to the piece's vivid and evocative storytelling.

7. Influence on other composers: Dukas's "L'apprenti sorcier" has had a lasting influence on subsequent composers, particularly in the realm of programmatic and descriptive music. Composers like Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev were inspired by Dukas's use of orchestration to convey narrative elements.

8. Dukas's modest output: Despite the success of "L'apprenti sorcier" and a few other compositions, Paul Dukas was known for his self-critical nature and perfectionism, which led him to destroy many of his works. As a result, he left behind a relatively small body of compositions.

9. A career in music criticism: Dukas was not only a composer but also a respected music critic. He wrote for various publications, including the prestigious Revue musicale, and his critical writings offer valuable insights into the music of his time.

10. Legacy: While Dukas's compositional output was limited, "L'apprenti sorcier" remains a beloved and frequently performed piece in the orchestral repertoire. It continues to captivate audiences with its vivid storytelling and imaginative orchestration.