Joseph Kosma (October 22, 1905 – August 7, 1969) was a Hungarian composer who later immigrated to France. He began playing the piano at age five and studied composition and conducting at the Budapest Academy of Music, with masters like Béla Bartók.

In 1928, he moved to Berlin on a scholarship, where he met Hanns Eisler and became familiar with the work of Bertolt Brecht. In 1933, with the rise of Hitler, Kosma moved to Paris, eventually gaining French citizenship in 1949. In Paris, he started a fruitful collaboration with director Jean Renoir, contributing to the soundtracks of iconic films such as “Le Crime de Monsieur Lange” (1936), “La Grande Illusion” (1937), and “La Règle du Jeu” (1939).

He is also known for his work with screenwriter Jacques Prévert, with whom he collaborated on the ballet “Rendezvous” and numerous songs. During World War II and the occupation of France, Kosma was placed under house arrest and forbidden to compose, but Prévert managed to have him contribute to film music under pseudonyms.

Most Notable Works and Jazz Standards

• “Les Feuilles mortes” (Autumn Leaves): This is undoubtedly his most famous piece and a cornerstone of the jazz repertoire. Composed in 1945 with French lyrics by Jacques Prévert and later English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, it was originally part of the music for Marcel Carné’s film “Les Portes de la Nuit” (1946). It’s one of the most recorded songs by jazz musicians and is fundamental for beginning jazz musicians to familiarize themselves with jazz harmony.
• Film Scores: In addition to “Les Feuilles mortes,” Kosma composed numerous acclaimed film scores, including those for “La Grande Illusion,” “La Bête humaine,” and “Les Enfants du Paradis.”