Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 13, 1886

Death

:

June 2, 1977

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Henri Gagnebin was a Swiss composer and musicologist who was born on January 28, 1886, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Louis Gagnebin, was a composer and organist, and his mother, Marie-Louise, was a pianist. Henri showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and violin at a young age. Gagnebin studied music at the Lausanne Conservatory and later at the Geneva Conservatory, where he studied composition with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze and Charles-Marie Widor. He also studied musicology at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he earned a doctorate in 1913. During his studies, Gagnebin became interested in early music and began researching and transcribing medieval and Renaissance music. In 1914, Gagnebin was appointed professor of music history and aesthetics at the Geneva Conservatory, where he taught for over 30 years. He also served as the director of the conservatory from 1939 to 1946. Gagnebin was a respected musicologist and wrote several books on music history and theory, including "La Musique et les Musiciens de la Suisse Romande" and "La Musique de Clément Janequin." As a composer, Gagnebin was influenced by the music of Bach, Mozart, and Debussy. He wrote music in a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, and vocal music. One of his most famous works is his "Symphonie Bretonne," which was inspired by the folk music of Brittany. The symphony premiered in 1927 and was well-received by audiences and critics. Gagnebin also wrote several works for solo piano, including his "Sonatine" and "Suite Française." His piano music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and harmonies, as well as its use of folk music and dance rhythms. In addition to his compositions, Gagnebin was also known for his transcriptions of early music. He transcribed several works by the medieval composer Guillaume de Machaut and the Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez. His transcriptions were highly regarded for their accuracy and attention to detail. Gagnebin was a prolific composer and wrote over 100 works during his lifetime. His music is known for its elegance, lyricism, and use of folk music and dance rhythms. He was also a respected musicologist and made significant contributions to the study of early music. Henri Gagnebin died on April 23, 1977, in Geneva, Switzerland. His legacy as a composer and musicologist continues to be celebrated today, and his music is still performed and studied by musicians around the world.

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