Monique Haas was born on October 20, 1909 in Paris, France. From a young age, she showed a natural talent for music and began studying piano at a very early age. She was a prodigious student, excelling in her piano studies from the beginning.
Haas continued her education at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire, where she studied under some of the greatest piano teachers of the time. In 1927, she was awarded a Premier Prix from the Conservatoire, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft.
Haas quickly gained recognition for her exceptional performances and interpretations of French music, particularly that of Maurice Ravel. She was praised for her ravishing piano playing, with critics and audiences alike marveling at her technical skill and emotional depth in her performances.
One of the highlights of Haas's career was her performance of Bartók's third piano concerto, just days after György Sándor premiered it to the world. This performance solidified her reputation as a virtuoso pianist with a deep understanding and appreciation for contemporary music.
Haas married French-Romanian composer Marcel Mihalovici, further solidifying her connection to the world of classical music. Their partnership was a fruitful one, with Mihalovici's compositions often performed by Haas to great acclaim.
Monique Haas's legacy as a pianist is a lasting one, with her interpretations of Ravel and other French composers still celebrated to this day. She successfully combined Marguerite Long's cleanness and precision with Alfred Cortot's emphasis on tone color, creating a unique and highly admired playing style.
Haas's recordings continue to be treasured by music lovers around the world, and her influence on future generations of pianists is undeniable. Her dedication to her art and her unwavering commitment to excellence have cemented her status as one of the great musicians of the 20th century.
Monique Haas passed away on March 9, 1987, but her music lives on as a testament to her incredible talent and passion for the piano.