Haudebert, Lucien

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Haudebert, Lucien

Haudebert, Lucien, French composer; b. Fougères, April 10, 1877; d. Paris, Feb. 24, 1963. He studied organ, then went to Paris, where he took lessons in composition with Fauré. He followed in his music the traditions of César Franck, preferring large sonorities and clear tonal harmonies. He stood aloof from modern developments in France and had little recognition even among traditional musicians, despite praise from Romain Rolland. His most effective work is the oratorio Dieu Vainqueur (1916–22). Other significant works are the oratorio Moïse (1928), Symphonie bretonne (1936), Symphonie française (1941), Voyage en Bretagne for Orch. (1953), and Chants de la mer for Voices and Orch. (1950). He also wrote chamber music, including a Quartet for Saxophones.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire