Benjamin Godard

Benjamin Godard (Paris August 18, 1849 – January 10, 1895 at Cannes) was a French composer probably best known as a writer of salon music.

Related Topics:
Paris - August 18 - 1849 - January 10 - 1895 - Cannes

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He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris under Reber (harmony) and Henri Vieuxtemps (violin). He accompanied Vieuxtemps twice to Germany, and also devoted himself to chamber music. He composed music with great facility. In 1876 his Concerto romantique was performed at the Concerts Populaires, and other of his large works were also performed at these concerts. In 1878 Godard was the co-winner with Dubois, head of the Conservatoire de Paris, in a musical competition instituted by the municipality of Paris. This composition, a dramatic symphony entitled Tasso, is perhaps his most important work.

Related Topics:
Conservatoire de Paris - Henri Vieuxtemps - Germany - Chamber music - 1876 - 1878 - Paris

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He also composed other symphonic work, ballets, concertos, and overtures. As a composer of opera he was only moderately successful, the best known of his works being Jocelyn, from which the beautiful "Berceuse" has become very popular. Among his piano pieces may be mentioned the second mazurka, the second valse, "Au Matin," "Postillon," "En Courant," "En Train," and "Les Hirondelles." "Florian's Song" is also very popular in many arrangements.

Related Topics:
Ballets - Concerto - Overture - Opera - Piano

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