Organist, Composer. Considered one of the greatest organists of the Baroque period, he broadened the potential of his instrument in terms of musical color, pedal technique, and profound expressiveness. Johann Sebastian Bach hailed him as a genius. Grigny was born in Reims, where his family had served as church musicians for three generations. After studying with Nicolas Lebegue in Paris, he was appointed organist at the Basilica of St. Denis in 1693 and at Reims Cathedral in 1697. His death at 31 was a major loss to French music. Grigny's surviving organ compositions - a Mass and five multi-part hymns, 43 pieces in all - were published in his "Premier livre d'orgue" (1699). It was widely reprinted and spread his posthumous fame throughout Europe. Bach admired the book enough to copy it by hand for his own use in 1713. His complete works have been recorded several times and remain standards in the organ repertory.
Organist, Composer. Considered one of the greatest organists of the Baroque period, he broadened the potential of his instrument in terms of musical color, pedal technique, and profound expressiveness. Johann Sebastian Bach hailed him as a genius. Grigny was born in Reims, where his family had served as church musicians for three generations. After studying with Nicolas Lebegue in Paris, he was appointed organist at the Basilica of St. Denis in 1693 and at Reims Cathedral in 1697. His death at 31 was a major loss to French music. Grigny's surviving organ compositions - a Mass and five multi-part hymns, 43 pieces in all - were published in his "Premier livre d'orgue" (1699). It was widely reprinted and spread his posthumous fame throughout Europe. Bach admired the book enough to copy it by hand for his own use in 1713. His complete works have been recorded several times and remain standards in the organ repertory.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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