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René Herbin, born in 1911, in Vitry-le-François, was to know a particularly tragic destiny.
An exceptional pianist, his works for piano reveal an unbelievable sense of virtuosity. He began a double career as concert pianist and composer after studies at the Paris Conservatory He was noticed by violoncellist Maurice Maréchal who asked him to accompany him onnumerous tours, notably to the Far East in 1937.
This youthful joyousness was to be abruptly cut short with the arrival of the war. Called to duty in 1939, he was taken prisoner and brought to Germany where he would remain for almost five years in different camps.
His output during the years of captivity is particularly rich. A simple little notebook in which he would jot down ideas here and there never left him. Numerous works came to see the light of day during this period including the Sonata for violin and piano, « Deidre des Douleurs » for chamber orchestra, the piano Sonata, works written in the most precarious of conditions during moments stolen from laborious work and other activities imposed on prisoners.
After two years, detention conditions being lightened somewhat, certain improvised concerts were able to be organized with the help of other unfortunate companions; they would be the first to hear several new musical works.
Upon his return to Paris in 1945, René HERBIN revived his career as pianist, participated in chamber music concerts and devoted himself with much intensity to composition. It was in 1949 that the Quartet with piano had its first hearing thanks to the PASQUIER trio. There were more and more commissions from the Radio and the State among which we can cite
« Trois Songes » for orchestra (1951) and the Piano concerto (1952) which was premiered by Vlado PERLEMUTER in 1956.
In 1952-53, René HERBIN accompanied Jacques THIBAUD in some of his concerts. Once again, and this time definitively, the collaboration was to be ended with the airplane accident of September 1,1953 which would claim Herbin's life as well as that of the great violinist.
A discreet, secrective and passionate man, René HERBIN was greatly admired by his contemporaries Florent SCHMITT, Henri DUTILLEUX and Alexandre TANSMAN who would write «... a distinctly personal talent manifests itself in th e works for orchestra, chamber music and piano. A rich melodic gift, a very personalized use of harmony, a true lyricism and perfect utilisation of the instruments.»
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