The music world mourns for one of the pioneers of the Classical Crossover. The French pianist Jacques Loussier died on Tuesday. He was 84 years old.

Loussier was best known for his interpretations of classical works by Johann Sebastian Bach, which he mixed with jazz elements. In 1959 he founded the "Play Bach Trio" with bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Christian Garros, whose five albums were sold millions of times.

In 1978, Loussier dissolved the trio to devote himself to his own compositions. In parallel, he worked as a producer, including with Pink Floyd, Sting and Elton John together. For Bach's 300th Birthday Loussier put the "Play Bach Trio" back in 1985, this time supported by bassist Vincent Charbonnier and André Arpino on drums.

For his work, Loussier has been awarded various prizes, including the 2010 German Jazz Trophy for his life's work. In addition to the combination of classical and jazz Loussier also composed more than 100 television and film scores.

from  www.tellerreport.com