Background
Gigout was born in Nancy, and died in Paris.
composer organist university professor
Gigout was born in Nancy, and died in Paris.
A pupil of Camille Saint-Saëns, he served as the organist of the French capital"s Saint-Augustin Church for 62 years. He became widely known as a teacher and his output as a composer was considerable. Renowned as an expert improviser, he also founded his own music school.
The 10 pièces pour orgue (composed 1890) include the Toccata in B minor, Gigout"s best-known creation, which turns up as a frequent encore at organ recitals.
Also fairly often played, and to be found in the same collection, is a Scherzo in East major. Other notable pieces by Gigout are Grand chœur dialogué, which dates from 1881, and Marche religieuse.
Gigout"s works are now available on several commercial recordings. His pupils included the aforementioned Boëllmann, André Fleury, Henri Gagnon, André Marchal, André Messager, and Albert Roussel.