| Description: | Émile Paladilhe (3 June 1844 – 6 January 1926) was a French composer of the late romantic period.
He born in Montpellier and was a musical child prodigy. He moved from his home in the south of France to Paris to begin his studies at the Conservatoire de Paris at age 10. He became an accomplished pianist, and was the youngest winner of the Prix de Rome, three years after Bizet, in 1860. He was a close friend of Charles Gounod.
He wrote a number of compositions for the stage, a symphony, over a hundred mélodies, piano works, and a wide range of sacred music, including cantatas, motets, masses, chorales, and a noted oratorio, "Les Saintes-Marie de la mer."
His opera "Patrie!" of 1886 was his greatest success, and was one of the last grand operas to premiere at the Paris Opéra.
From 1890, Paladilhe devoted himself to church music and composed motets; two masses, one for Pentecost, and one on St François d’Assise.
He served as organist of the cathedral at Montpellier.
These two works, "Andante cantabile" and "Choral-Marche" both come from his "Messe de la Pentecote," which was published in 1898. The pieces are certainly both "children of the time," but they have a sincerity about them. The "Andante cantabile" is particularly expressive, but the "Choral-Marche" is pretty "square," at least to my way of looking at it.
The scores are attached below, as well as a number of photos and paintings of Émile Paladihe. Also attached are several photos of the Montpellier Cathedral, where the composer served as organist.
I thank my listeners for listening, and am pleased to say that I have LOTS more interesting and varied items coming soon!
Peace to All. |
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