(b Metz, 16 Aug 1863; d Ploujean, 17 July 1937). French composer. He studied with Franck and Massenet at the Paris Conservatoire and succeeded the former as organist of Ste Clotilde (1890-98), thereafter concentrating on composition and conducting (principal conductor of the Concerts Colonne, 1910-34), enjoying a high reputation. His works range from operettas of sensuous charm (e.g. Sophie Arnould, 1927) to sacred oratorios, all marked by his clear technique and pleasing synthesis of Franckian and Debussian traits.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Music. Copyright © 1994 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.