Gigout, Eugene

1844

Eminent French organist and composer; was born at Nancy, France, and received his first musical instruc- tion from the organist of the town cathedral. At the age of thirteen he entered the Niedermeyer School of Religious Music in Paris, where he studied and afterward taught, for more than twenty years altogether. It is stated that he was a favorite pupil of Niedermeyer, and became in time his son-in-law. He also took some lessons of Saint-Saens. In 1863 he became organist of the Church of St. Augustin, one of the most prominent churches in Paris, and while in that position also traveled as a concert organist in Germany, Switzerland, England, Spain and Italy, as well as in his own country. In 1885 he established an organ school in Paris, which received financial assistance from the government, and of which a number of graduates have won distinction. Gigout's playing is characterized by warmth and clearness in interpreting the classic works, such as those of Bach, as well as in the modern school, while he excels in improvisation. His extempore playing is described by Clarence Eddy as at once scholarly and full of imagination and feeling, that of an undoubted virtuoso. Eddy ranks him with Widor and Guilmant as a player. As a composer, however, his style is rigidly classical. His most noted work is the Album Gr6gorien in two volumes, containing over three hundred pieces of organ music; other valuable collections for organ are Pieces breves, a volume of plain-song compositions, and L'Orgue d'figlise. In addition to these he has published numerous transcriptions; considerable vocal music; church-music; a sonata for the piano; and a meditation for violin and orchestra.

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