To reach the age of 100 is already an incredible feat for anyone, but this woman, at 109, can do something much more impressive.
Colette Maze stands out for many reasons, and not just because of her incredible age. At 109 years old, she’s not just celebrating a long life; she’s releasing her sixth album, titled “109 Years of Music,” a collection featuring works by Schumann, Gershwin, Piazzolla, and her most cherished composer, Debussy.
Colette was born in June 1914. Inspired by the melodies floating down from the apartment above her, Colette found her calling. With a mother who played the violin and a grandfather who was also a musician, it was clear early on that Colette had music in her blood. By the age of 15, she was honing her skills at the esteemed École Normale de Musique. There’s even a mini-documentary celebrating her extraordinary life, which you can watch below:
Collette has lived for so long, she’s barely a decade younger than some of the pieces she performs. Debussy, who passed away in 1918 when Colette was just a child, might have been a familiar figure in her neighborhood. Her training at the École Normale de Musique under luminaries like Alfred Cortot, Georges Dandelot, Jeanne Blancard, and Nadia Boulanger shaped her into the musician she is today.
Yet, Colette’s path wasn’t without its challenges. Despite her evident talent and the quality of her education, her parents were opposed to her pursuing a career in music. They imposed strict rules that limited her practice time and insisted she focus on teaching rather than performing. Despite these hurdles, Colette’s passion for music never waned, as evidenced by her breathtaking performances of Debussy, even at 108 years old.
Navigating the precarious terrain of a music career in the interwar period, Colette forged a life as a piano teacher. The challenges were manifold, especially as a single mother without the support of her parents, but Colette’s resolve and dedication to her art saw her through.
It was her son, Fabrice, who ignited the spark for Colette to begin her recording journey. Recognizing the value of preserving his mother’s exceptional talent and the rarity of her direct experience with Alfred Cortot’s esteemed piano teaching, Fabrice nudged Colette into the world of music recording. This encouragement led to the release of her debut album at the tender age of 87, initiating a late but remarkable recording career. Now, at 109, Colette is on the verge of releasing her sixth album! Her passion for music truly knows no bound!
Even at this age, Colette’s daily life revolves around the piano, dedicating four to five hours each day to the instrument that has been her lifelong companion. Her apartment, which has been her home since she was eighteen and offers stunning views of the Seine from its 14th-floor vantage point, houses two beloved pianos: a Steinway baby grand and a Pleyel, the latter a cherished gift on her 18th birthday and the piano brand favored by the legendary Chopin.
In an interview with Pianote updated on 26 June 2023, Colete Maze said: “Music is my food, my breath, my reason for being. As soon as I get up, I start playing the piano to connect with the forces of life. It’s a habit. It’s always been that way. The blood circulates in our body and music circulates in my being. It’s like essential nourishment.” Fabrice quips that there are 3 things that, besides music, his mother can’t live without cheese, chocolate, and a good glass of wine.
“Music is my food, my breath, my reason for being. As soon as I get up, I start playing the piano to connect with the forces of life. It’s a habit. It’s always been that way. The blood circulates in our body and music circulates in my being. It’s like essential nourishment,” said Colette in a recent interview. Fabrice added that his mother was a sucker for wine, cheese, and chocolate as well, which were perhaps the reason why Colette’s commitment to music lasts so long.