Bernard, Emile

1845-1902

Distinguished French organist and composer of the new school. He was born at Marseilles and studied under Reber, Benoist, and Marmontel at the Paris Conservatory, where he won prizes for organ, piano and counterpoint, and was considered a remarkable pupil. In 1877 an organ fantasie and fugue written by Bernard, gained the prize offered by the  Societe des Compositeurs de Paris. Until 1895, he held the position of organist at Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Paris. His compositions include two cantatas, Guillaume le Conquerant and La Captivite de Babylone; a sonata for piano and violin; sonata for piano and violoncello; trio for piano; quartet  for piano; two orchestra suites; a violin concerto; and many works for the organ.