François de Roubaix

François de Roubaix (3 April 1939 – 22 November 1975) was a French composer known for his work in film music. His innovative style combined traditional orchestration with electronic music, making him a pioneer in the field.

Early Life

François de Roubaix was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, France. He developed an interest in music at an early age, influenced by his father, Paul de Roubaix, who was a film producer. François was largely self-taught, learning to play various instruments and experimenting with different musical styles.

Career

De Roubaix began his career composing music for short films and documentaries. His breakthrough came with the score for the film Les Aventuriers in 1967, directed by Robert Enrico. This was followed by a series of successful collaborations with Enrico, including Le Vieux Fusil and Ho!.

Film Music

François de Roubaix in his studio

François de Roubaix was known for his ability to blend traditional orchestral music with electronic sounds. He often used synthesizers and tape loops, which was innovative at the time. His scores for films such as Dernier Domicile Connu and Le Samouraï are considered classics of French cinema.

Television Work

In addition to film, de Roubaix composed music for television series, including Chapi Chapo and Les Secrets de la Mer Rouge. His work in television further showcased his versatility and creativity as a composer.

Innovations

De Roubaix was a pioneer in the use of electronic music in film scores. He was one of the first composers to use the Moog synthesizer in his compositions, which allowed him to create unique soundscapes that were ahead of their time.

Death and Legacy

François de Roubaix died in a diving accident near Tenerife, Canary Islands, in 1975. Despite his untimely death, his music continues to influence composers and musicians around the world. His innovative approach to film scoring has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Related pages

• Film score
• Electronic music
• French cinema