Country

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Canada

Birth

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November 12, 1930 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

Genre

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Keyboard

 

Bernard Lagacé was a renowned Canadian classical music artist who was born on May 28, 1930, in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. He was a prolific organist, harpsichordist, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Lagacé was known for his exceptional musicianship, technical proficiency, and deep understanding of the music he played. Lagacé's interest in music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano when he was just six years old. He later switched to the organ, which became his primary instrument. He received his early musical training at the Saint-Hyacinthe Seminary, where he studied under the guidance of Father Conrad Letendre. Lagacé's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly gained a reputation as a gifted musician. In 1950, Lagacé moved to Montreal to study at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec. He studied under the renowned organist and composer, Jean Papineau-Couture, and later under the harpsichordist Kenneth Gilbert. Lagacé's time at the Conservatoire was a formative period in his musical development, and he honed his skills as a performer and conductor. After completing his studies, Lagacé embarked on a successful career as a musician. He performed extensively throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest organists of his generation. Lagacé was known for his virtuosic performances, and he was particularly admired for his interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. One of the highlights of Lagacé's career was his appointment as the organist at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal in 1960. This was a prestigious position, and Lagacé held it for over 30 years. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the restoration of the basilica's Casavant organ, which had fallen into disrepair. Lagacé's work on the organ was widely praised, and he was credited with restoring it to its former glory. Lagacé was also a prolific recording artist, and he made numerous recordings throughout his career. His recordings of Bach's organ music are particularly highly regarded, and they are considered to be some of the finest interpretations of this music ever recorded. Lagacé's recordings have been widely praised for their technical excellence, musical sensitivity, and deep understanding of the music. In addition to his work as an organist, Lagacé was also a highly respected harpsichordist. He was one of the first musicians in Canada to specialize in the harpsichord, and he played a significant role in popularizing this instrument in Canada. Lagacé was known for his exceptional skill on the harpsichord, and he was particularly admired for his performances of the music of Bach and his contemporaries. Lagacé was also a gifted conductor, and he led many successful performances throughout his career. He was particularly known for his work with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, with whom he collaborated on numerous occasions. Lagacé's conducting was characterized by his deep understanding of the music, his attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Throughout his career, Lagacé received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1971, he was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artist in Quebec.

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