September 28, 1870:
Florent Schmitt is born at 2 rue Neuve (present rue du 18 novembre) in Blâmont, Meurthe-et-Moselle, 65 km west of Strasbourg, in German-occupied France, the sixth of seven children born to Joseph Schmitt, a haberdasher and amateur organist, and Louise Berton, an amateur pianist.
November 3, 1900:
Sémiramis, a scène lyrique by Florent Schmitt (30) to words of Adenis and Adenis, for which he won the Prix de Rome, is performed for the first time, in Paris.
December 30, 1900:
Florent Schmitt (30) arrives in Rome to begin his Prix de Rome stay.
January 8, 1905:
The symphonic poem Le Palais hanté by Florent Schmitt (34) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
September 2, 1905:
Florent Schmitt (34) marries Jeanne Barzun-Digau in the Church of St. Vincent de Bagnère-de-Bigorre in the Pyrenees.
December 27, 1906:
A setting of Psalm 47 for orchestra, chorus, and organ by Florent Schmitt (36) is performed for the first time, in Paris. Jules Massenet (64) and Gabriel Fauré (61) are in the audience. The work is a great success but Schmitt is so shy he can not be persuaded from his box to take a bow.
May 29, 1907:
A banquet is given by Jules Ecorcheville in Paris marking the end of the five “historic concerts” of Russian music. Present in the same room are Nikolai Rimsky-Korasakov (63), Gabriel Fauré (62), Vincent d’Indy (56), Alyeksandr Glazunov (41), Albert Roussel (38), Florent Schmitt (36), Maurice Ravel (32), Fyodor Chaliapin, and Sergey Diaghilev.
November 9, 1907:
Florent Schmitt’s (37) mute drama Tragédie de Salomé for chamber orchestra, is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 27, 1909:
New compositions are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique in Salle Erard, Paris: Quintet for piano and strings op.51 by Florent Schmitt (38), and Four piano pieces by Manuel de Falla (32), Aragonesa, Cubana, Montañesa, and Andaluza. These are known collectively as Cuatro piezas españolas.
January 8, 1911:
Florent Schmitt’s (40) symphonic poem La tragedie de Salomé is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 11, 1911:
Lied et Scherzo op.54 for horn or cello, nine winds, and piano by Florent Schmitt (40) is performed for the first time, in Salle des Agricultueurs, Paris (cello solo).
November 29, 1911:
Trois rapsodies for two pianos by Florent Schmitt (41) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 22, 1912:
Natasha Troukhanova performs a dance recital at the Théâtre du Châtelet to four works conducted this evening by their composers: La Peri by Paul Dukas (46), Istar by Vincent d’Indy (61), La Tragédie de Salomé by Florent Schmitt (41), and Adélaïde, ou Le langage des fleurs by Maurice Ravel (37). Dukas’ ballet is performed for the first time. Ravel’s is a premiere of the ballet, although the music is actually Valses nobles et sentimentales. See 9 May 1911.
June 8, 1912:
Maurice Ravel’s (37) symphonie choreographique Daphnis et Chloè to a scenario by Fokin after Longus, is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. The work is not a success. One box contains the party of Mme Ravel and her sons, along with Florent Schmitt (41) and Igor Stravinsky (29).
May 29, 1913:
Le Sacre du Printemps, a ballet by Igor Stravinsky (30) to a scenario of Roerich, is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris. The ballet and its music cause a riot in the theatre as proponents and opponents resort to fisticuffs to exchange opinions on the value of art. The dancers perform to music that they have to imagine, as few in the auditorium can hear it, except during certain lulls. The choreographer, Vaclav Nizhinsky, almost runs onto the stage from the wings but is physically restrained by the composer. Sergey Diaghilev, the impresario, flicks the lights several times in an effort to douse the demonstrations. Nothing works. Those participating in the discussions include Maurice Ravel (38) and Florent Schmitt (42). Camille Saint-Saëns (77) simply repeats “he’s mad, he’s mad” several times before walking out. In the audience is a young composer named Gian Francesco Malipiero (31) who was encouraged to attend by Alfredo Casella (29). “I awoke from a long and dangerous lethargy.” He decides to disown all his previous work and strike out anew. Daniel Chennevière (Dane Rudhyar) (18) calls it “a tremendous experience.”
January 14, 1914:
New works are heard at a concert of the Société Indépendante in Salle Erard, Paris. They are Three Japanese Lyrics for solo voice and piano by Igor Stravinsky (31) to words translated by Brandta, Trois poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé for solo voice and chamber ensemble by Maurice Ravel (38), Une semaine du petit elfe Ferme-l'oeil for piano duet by Florent Schmitt (43), and Erik Satie's (47) piano work Chapitres tournés en tous sens.
February 22, 1914:
Danses des Devadasis op.47 for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (43) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 8, 1918:
J’entends dans le lointain, one of the three Ombres op.64 for piano by Florent Schmitt (57) is performed for the first time, in Paris. See 15 February 1930.
December 2, 1918:
Incidental music to Méral’s play Le Dit des Jeux du Monde by Arthur Honegger (26) is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier, Paris. It causes a scandal, complete with whistles, cheers, clapping, screaming, and fighting. Among the audience are Maurice Ravel (43), Florent Schmitt (48), Albert Roussel (49), Pablo Picasso, and Jean Cocteau. Honegger is now famous.
May 25, 1919:
Légende op.66 for viola or violin or alto saxophone and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (58) is performed for the first time, in Paris (violin solo).
June 14, 1920:
Incidental music to Gide’s (after Shakespeare) play Antoine et Cléopatre by Florent Schmitt (49) is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra.
April 22, 1921:
Five Orchestral Pieces by Arnold Schoenberg (46) is performed in Paris. Maurice Ravel (46) and Francis Poulenc (22) are among the listeners. During the fourth movement a brawl breaks out in the audience involving Florent Schmitt (50) who leaves with a swollen face.
August 3, 1921:
Florent Schmitt (50) is named a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
December 8, 1921:
Florent Schmitt (51) is named director of the Lyon Conservatoire.
February 9, 1924:
Le Petit Elfe Ferme-l’Oeil, a ballet by Florent Schmitt (53) after Andersen, is staged for the first time, at the Opéra-Comique, Paris.
May 28, 1924:
Mirages op.70 for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (63) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 9, 1925:
Dionysiaques op.62 for band by Florent Schmitt (54) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 27, 1925:
Arthur Honegger’s (33) ballet Sous-Marine, to a scenario by Ari, is performed for the first time, at the Opéra-Comique, Paris. Also premiered is Dance d'Abisag op.75 for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (54).
January 16, 1927:
Fonctionnaire M.C. XII: Inaction en musique by Florent Schmitt (56) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 25, 1927:
Final for cello and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (56) is performed for the first time, in the Salle Erard, Paris.
June 16, 1927:
L’éventail de Jeanne, a ballet with scenario by Franck and Bourgat, and music by Albert Roussel (58), Florent Schmitt (56), Maurice Ravel (52), Jacques Ibert (36), Roland-Manuel (36), Darius Milhaud (34), Marcel Delannoy (28), Francis Poulenc (28), Georges Auric (28), and Pierre-Octave Ferroud (27), is performed for the first time, at the home of Jeanne Dubost in Paris. See 4 March 1929.
November 20, 1927:
The Third Suite from the music to the film Salammbô by Florent Schmitt (57) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 4, 1929:
L’Eventail de Jeanne, a ballet to a scenario by Franck and Bourgat, and music by Albert Roussel (59), Florent Schmitt (58), Maurice Ravel (53), Jacques Ibert (38), Roland-Manuel (37), Darius Milhaud (36), Marcel Delannoy (30), Francis Poulenc (30), Georges Auric (30), and Pierre-Octave Ferroud (29) is performed publicly for the first time, at the Paris Opéra. See 16 June 1927.
February 15, 1930:
Çançunik for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (59) is performed for the first time, in Paris. Also premiered is his orchestration of J’entends dans le lointain for piano and orchestra.
January 11, 1931:
Kérob-shal op.67, a cycle for voice and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (60), is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 24, 1931:
Tristesse au jardin for voice and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (60) is performed for the first time, in Paris 23 years after it was composed.
March 15, 1931:
Ronde burlesque op.78 for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (60) is performed for the first time, in Paris. The composer says that its subject is “a battle of sub-marine airplanes.”
January 3, 1932:
Final op.77 for cello and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (61) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 25, 1932:
Symphonie Concertante for piano and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (62), composed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is performed for the first time, in Boston, the composer at the keyboard.
February 19, 1933:
Six Choruses for female voices and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (62) are performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 26, 1933:
An anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi demonstration takes place in Paris at a performance which includes three songs from Der Silbersee by Kurt Weill (33). The demonstrations are led by Florent Schmitt (63) who cries out “Vive Hitler!”
May 24, 1935:
Sonatine en trio op.85 for piano, flute, and clarinet by Florent Schmitt (64) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 3, 1935:
In Memoriam op.72 for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (65) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 25, 1936:
Florent Schmitt (65) is elected to the French Institute to fill the chair vacated by the death of Paul Dukas (†0). Igor Stravinsky (53) receives no more than five out of 32 votes on any of the five ballots.
February 12, 1937:
Oriane et le Prince d’Amour, a ballet by Florent Schmitt (66) to a story by Séran, is performed for the first time, in a concert setting in Paris.
January 7, 1938:
Oriane et le Prince d’Amour, a ballet by Florent Schmitt (67) to a story of Séran, is staged for the first time, at the Paris Opéra. See 12 February 1937.
January 29, 1938:
Florent Schmitt’s (67) Suite sans esprit de suite, for orchestra is performed for the first time, in Paris.
December 18, 1938:
Chaîne brisée op.87 for piano by Florent Schmitt (68) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 18, 1939:
Trois danses for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (68) are performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 15, 1942:
Quatre poèmes de Ronsard op.100 for voice and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (71) are performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 19, 1942:
Three Trios op.99 for female voices and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (71) are performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 3, 1943:
Saxophone Quartet op.102 by Florent Schmitt (72) is performed for the first time, in Salle Gaveau, Paris.
February 10, 1943:
Hasards op.96 for piano quartet by Florent Schmitt (72) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 18, 1943:
Trois Chants op.98 for voice and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (72) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 24, 1944:
Pursuant to an order by the French Minister of the Interior, Florent Schmitt (74) is interrogated in his Paris home for alleged collaborationist activities. He admits that beginning in 1941 he was part of the artistic section of the group called "Collaboration" but that he was in no way involved in political activities nor did he work with the Germans in any way.
January 7, 1946:
The National Purification Committee for Writers, Authors, and Composers finds that Florent Schmitt's (75) activites during the occupation displayed an "attitude, which [he] now regrets, that was of a kind to promote the propaganda enterprises of the enemy." (Sprout, 72) His professional activities are suspended for one year, backdated to 1 October 1944.
February 6, 1946:
String Trio op.105 by Florent Schmitt (75) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 26, 1946:
Clavecin obtempérant op.107, a suite by Florent Schmitt (75), is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 27, 1946:
Marche nuptiale op.108 for organ by Florent Schmitt (75) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 30, 1947:
A contre-voix op.104, six choruses by Florent Schmitt (76), is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 14, 1947:
Habeyssée for violin and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (76) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 27, 1947:
A tour d’Anches op.97 for piano, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon by Florent Schmitt (76) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 12, 1948:
Habeyssée op.110, a suite for violin and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (77), is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 10, 1948:
Quartet for string instruments op.112 by Florent Schmitt (77) is performed for the first time, in Strasbourg.
March 11, 1949:
Quartet op.109 for three trombones and tuba by Florent Schmitt (48) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
October 3, 1949:
Works commissioned by UNESCO for the 100th anniversary of Chopin's death are performed for the first time, in the Salle Gaveau, Paris. Among them are Le chant de la nuit for vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (79), Estudio IV for piano by Carlos Chávez (50), and Mazurka-Nocturne for oboe, two violins, and cello by Bohuslav Martinu (58).
November 4, 1949:
Flute Quartet op.106 by Florent Schmitt (79) is performed for the first time, in Rio de Janeiro.
February 24, 1950:
Quatre monocantes op.115 for voice and piano by Florent Schmitt (79) are performed for the first time, in Paris.
October 2, 1950:
Scènes de la vie moyenne en quatre parties op.124 for orchestra by Florent Schmitt (79) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 3, 1951:
Le chant de la nuit op.120 for chorus and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (80) to words of Nietzsche, is performed for the first time, in Paris.
May 25, 1951:
Trois liturgies joyeuses op.116 for chorus and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (80) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 19, 1951:
Cinq choeurs en vingt minutes op.117 for chorus and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (80) are performed for the first time, in Strasbourg.
December 16, 1951:
Introït, récit et congé for cello and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (81) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 28, 1952:
Chants Alizés op.125 for woodwind quintet by Florent Schmitt (81) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
October 28, 1952:
Having been rehabilitated from his wartime indiscretions, Florent Schmitt (82) is created a Commander of the Legion of Honor.
February 14, 1953:
Two works by Florent Schmitt (82) are performed for the first time: Trois poèmes de Ganzo op.118 for voice and piano, and Clarinet Sextet op.128.
January 27, 1956:
Suite op.133 for trumpet and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (85) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 14, 1956:
De vives voix op.131 for chorus of three equal voices by Florent Schmitt (85) is performed for the first time, in Brussels.
December 4, 1956:
Cinq refrains op.132 for three equal voices and piano by Florent Schmitt (86) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
May 2, 1957:
Florent Schmitt (86) is awarded the Grand Prix Musical de la ville de Paris.
June 15, 1958:
Symphony no.2 by Florent Schmitt (87) is performed for the first time, in Strasbourg.
August 17, 1958:
Florent Schmitt dies of cancer in the American hospital at Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, Republic of France, aged 87 years, ten months, and 20 days.
August 20, 1958:
A funeral in memory of Florent Schmitt takes place in the Church of St. Pierre de Chaillot, Paris. His Messe en quatre parties op.138 for chorus and organ is performed for the first time. His mortal remains are laid to rest in Cimetière de Bagneux, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
October 10, 1958:
Mass in four parts op.138 for chorus and organ by Florent Schmitt (†0) is performed for the first time, in Église St-Pierre de Chaillot, Paris.
October 29, 1959:
Suite for flute and orchestra op.129 by Florent Schmitt (†1) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 17, 1959:
Domine, Domine noster op.119 for chorus and organ by Florent Schmitt (†1) to words of he Psalms, is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine, Paris.