Former lawyer, holding a degree from the Sorbonne. Trained in music at the Lycee Massena and Nice Conservatory. Began composing from the age of 28 at the instigation of filmmaker Alberto Cavalcanti. As music director/composer for Pathe-Natan Studios (1930-1935), worked on many important French films of the period. He was killed as a result of enemy aircraft fire at the beginning of World War II.