Alain Romans(1905-1988)

Polish-born pianist and composer, noted for his improvisational skills. A child prodigy, Romans studied at the conservatories of Leipzig and Berlin. He settled in Paris and completed his training under the tutelage of Vincent Indy. Then followed a brief, but successful, touring career as a soloist. Though trained in the classical tradition, Romans eventually specialised in jazz. He often worked with famous artists like Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Josephine Baker and the Egyptian-born singer Dalida. Romans is best remembered for his film music, famously associated with Jacques Tati as co-composer (with Franck Barcellini) of the quirky theme for Mon oncle (1958). His finest work was the delightful 'Quel Temps Fait-il a Paris' which heralds each sunrise in Les Vacances de monsieur Hulot (1953). Despite his movie work and the release of several popular 'soft music' albums, Romans ended up falling on hard times. The end of the 1950's saw him heavily indebted and almost penniless. Nonetheless, he somehow managed to get financial backing for his own restaurant, the Chez Alain Romains, which opened near the Champs-Élysées, with himself as resident pianist. The venture was relatively short-lived and Romans spent his remaining years in relative obscurity.

An interesting footnote to his life exists in the form of a memoir which details his exploits as a member of the French Resistance during World War II. Romans was wounded in action on several occasions, escaped from German captivity near Treblinka and was subsequently involved in various clandestine operations. Multilingual, he was eventually appointed liaison officer/interpreter to General Alphonse Juin commanding the French Expeditionary Corps during the Italian Campaign.