François-Auguste Gevaert
Encyclopedia
François-Auguste Gevaert (July 31, 1828 in Huysse, near Oudenaarde
– December 24, 1908 in Brussels
) was a Belgian composer.
His father was a baker, and he was intended for the same profession, but better counsels prevailed and he was permitted to study music. He was sent in 1841 to the Ghent Conservatory, where he studied under Edouard de Sommere and Martin-Joseph Mengal
. Then he was appointed organist of the Jesuit church in that city.
Soon Gevaert's compositions attracted attention, and he won the Belgian Prix de Rome
which entitled him to two years' travel. The journey was postponed during the production of his first opera and other works. He finally embarked on it in 1849. After a short stay in Paris he went to Spain, and subsequently to Italy.
In 1867 Gevaert, having returned to Paris, became "Chef de Chant" at the Academie de Musique
there, in succession to the popular operatic composer Fromental Halévy
. Four years later, he was appointed head of the Brussels Conservatoire
, in which role he achieved his greatest fame.
Though during his lifetime his own music enjoyed considerable success in Belgium (it included no fewer than a dozen operas, two of which were Quentin Durward and Le Capitaine Henriot), it is now forgotten. He was happier as a teacher, historian, and lecturer. His many prose writings include a Treatise on Instrumentation (still sometimes used today), a book on harmony, and a Vade Mecum for organists.
Among his non-operatic pieces were various cantatas for national occasions, songs and chamber works. His chief service to music, however, was as an educator.
Oudenaarde
Oudenaarde is a Belgian municipality in the Flemish province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Oudenaarde proper and the towns of Bevere, Edelare, Eine, Ename, Heurne, Leupegem, Mater, Melden, Mullem, Nederename, Welden, Volkegem and a part of Ooike.From the 15th to the 18th...
– December 24, 1908 in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
) was a Belgian composer.
His father was a baker, and he was intended for the same profession, but better counsels prevailed and he was permitted to study music. He was sent in 1841 to the Ghent Conservatory, where he studied under Edouard de Sommere and Martin-Joseph Mengal
Martin-Joseph Mengal
Martin-Joseph Mengal , was a Belgian composer and instructor.Mengal came from a musical family and received horn and violin lessons as a child, and by the age of 13 played first horn at the Ghent opera...
. Then he was appointed organist of the Jesuit church in that city.
Soon Gevaert's compositions attracted attention, and he won the Belgian Prix de Rome
Prix de Rome (Belgium)
The Belgian Prix de Rome is an award for young artists, created in 1832, following the example of the original French Prix de Rome. The Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp organised the prize until 1920, when the national government took over. The first prize is also sometimes called the Grand Prix...
which entitled him to two years' travel. The journey was postponed during the production of his first opera and other works. He finally embarked on it in 1849. After a short stay in Paris he went to Spain, and subsequently to Italy.
In 1867 Gevaert, having returned to Paris, became "Chef de Chant" at the Academie de Musique
Paris Opera
The Paris Opera is the primary opera company of Paris, France. It was founded in 1669 by Louis XIV as the Académie d'Opéra and shortly thereafter was placed under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Lully and renamed the Académie Royale de Musique...
there, in succession to the popular operatic composer Fromental Halévy
Fromental Halévy
Jacques-François-Fromental-Élie Halévy, usually known as Fromental Halévy , was a French composer. He is known today largely for his opera La Juive.-Early career:...
. Four years later, he was appointed head of the Brussels Conservatoire
Koninklijk Conservatorium (Brussels)
The Royal Conservatory of Brussels is a drama and music college in Brussels, Belgium. An academy for acting and the arts, it has been attended by many of the top actors and actresses in Belgium such as Josse De Pauw, Luk van Mello and Luk De Konink....
, in which role he achieved his greatest fame.
Though during his lifetime his own music enjoyed considerable success in Belgium (it included no fewer than a dozen operas, two of which were Quentin Durward and Le Capitaine Henriot), it is now forgotten. He was happier as a teacher, historian, and lecturer. His many prose writings include a Treatise on Instrumentation (still sometimes used today), a book on harmony, and a Vade Mecum for organists.
Among his non-operatic pieces were various cantatas for national occasions, songs and chamber works. His chief service to music, however, was as an educator.