Role

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Composer

Birth

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1884

Death

:

1915

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Augustin Barié was a French composer born on January 23, 1883, in Paris. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Charles Barié, was a composer and organist, and his mother, Marie-Louise, was a pianist. Augustin showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. Barié attended the Paris Conservatory, where he studied composition with Charles-Marie Widor and organ with Alexandre Guilmant. He won several prizes for his compositions, including the Prix de Rome in 1906 for his cantata "Le Jugement de Dieu." This prize allowed him to study in Rome for several years, where he was exposed to the works of Italian composers such as Palestrina and Monteverdi. Upon returning to Paris, Barié began a successful career as a composer and organist. He was appointed as the organist at the Church of Saint-Gervais in Paris in 1914, a position he held until his death. He also taught composition at the Paris Conservatory from 1929 until 1953. Barié's music is characterized by its use of traditional forms and harmonies, as well as its incorporation of Gregorian chant and other religious themes. His works include several organ pieces, choral works, and chamber music. One of his most famous works is his "Suite Française," which was composed in 1918 and is a tribute to the French soldiers who fought in World War I. The "Suite Française" is a collection of six pieces for organ, each of which is based on a different French folk song. The first piece, "La Marche des Rois," is a lively march based on a traditional Christmas carol. The second piece, "La Chanson de Mai," is a gentle and lyrical piece based on a song about the month of May. The third piece, "La Complainte de la Blanche Biche," is a mournful piece based on a song about a white doe who is hunted and killed. The fourth piece, "Le Roi Dagobert," is a playful piece based on a children's song about the Frankish king Dagobert. The fifth piece, "La Tendresse," is a tender and romantic piece based on a love song. The final piece, "Le Retour des Pêcheurs," is a lively and energetic piece based on a song about fishermen returning from the sea. Another notable work by Barié is his "Messe pour les Paroisses," which is a setting of the Catholic Mass for choir and organ. The work is notable for its use of Gregorian chant melodies, which are incorporated into the music in a subtle and effective way. The work is divided into several sections, including the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. Barié's other works include several organ pieces, such as his "Trois Pièces pour Grand Orgue," which includes a majestic Toccata, a gentle Cantilène, and a lively Scherzo. He also composed several choral works, such as his "Cantique de Jean Racine," which is a setting of a poem by the French writer Jean Racine. The work is notable for its use of lush harmonies and its beautiful melody. Barié's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading French composers of his time. His music is still performed today and is admired for its beauty, elegance, and simplicity. Barié died on August 9, 1915, in Paris, at the age of 32. Despite his short life, he left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to inspire and delight audiences today.

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