François-Auguste Gevaert facts for kids
François-Auguste Gevaert (born July 31, 1828, in Huysse, near Oudenaarde; died December 24, 1908, in Brussels) was a talented Belgian music expert and composer. He wrote many pieces of music and taught others about music history.
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Life of a Musician
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François-Auguste Gevaert's father was a baker. At first, his family wanted him to become a baker too. But Gevaert loved music, and he was allowed to follow his passion.
In 1841, he started studying at the Ghent Conservatory. There, he learned from great teachers like Édouard de Sommere and Martin-Joseph Mengal. After his studies, he became an organist at the Jesuit church in Ghent.
Travels and Success
Soon, Gevaert's own music started to get noticed. He won the Belgian Prix de Rome. This important award allowed him to travel for two years. He first delayed his trip to work on his first opera and other musical pieces.
Finally, in 1849, he began his journey. He spent a short time in Paris before traveling to Spain and then Italy. These travels helped him learn more about different kinds of music.
In 1867, Gevaert returned to Paris. He became the "Chef de Chant" (chief of singing) at the famous Académie de Musique. This was a very important job. Four years later, he was chosen to lead the Brussels Conservatoire. This is a major music school in Belgium.
Teacher and Historian
As the head of the Brussels Conservatoire, Gevaert had a huge impact. He organized special concerts that featured music from many different countries and time periods. This helped people learn about music history.
During his lifetime, Gevaert's own music was very popular in Belgium. He wrote more than ten operas, including Quentin Durward and Le Capitaine Henriot. Today, most of his music is not as well-known, except for some of his choral pieces.
However, Gevaert is still remembered as an amazing teacher, historian, and lecturer. He wrote many books about music. These include a Treatise on Instrumentation, which is still sometimes used today. He also wrote a book on harmony and a guide for organists. One of his famous students was Alfred Wotquenne. Wotquenne is known for making the first full list of C.P.E. Bach's musical works.
Awards and Recognition
Gevaert received several important awards for his contributions to music:
- 1881: He was made a Grand Officier in the Order of Leopold. This is a high honor in Belgium.
- 1896: He received the Grand Cordon in the Order of Leopold. This is an even higher rank in the same order.
Selected Musical Works
François-Auguste Gevaert composed many different types of music. Here are some examples:
Religious Music
- Te Deum (1843)
- Requiem (1853)
- Grand' Messe de Noël Puer Natus est Nobis (1907)
Operas
Operas are plays where the story is told mostly through singing.
- Georgette, ou le moulin de Fontenoy (1853)
- Quentin Durward (1858)
- Le Capitaine Henriot (1864)
Cantatas
Cantatas are pieces of music for singers and instruments, often telling a story.
- België (1847)
- Jacob van Artevelde (1864)
Other Works
- Ouverture Flandre au lion (1848)
- Fantasia sobre motivos españoles (1850)
- Quartet for clarinet, horn, bassoon and piano
See also
In Spanish: François-Auguste Gevaert para niños
