Lefebvre, Charles Edoward

1843-

Born in Paris. He first studied law, but entered the Conservatory in 1870, gaining the Grand Prize of Rome for his cantata, Le Jugement de Dieu. He studied under Ambroise Thomas. His compositions include music of many kinds; some motets and music for the 23d Psalm, Judith, a concertopera, performed at the Pasdeloup concerts in 1879. This work became very popular, and was played in the principal towns of France, Belgium and Germany. His Ouverture Dramatique was played at the Colonne concerts; Dalila, and a symphony in D are important and orchestral works. His operas are Lucrece; Le Tresor; Zaire; Djelma; and Singoalla. Besides this long list he has written Eloa, a poeme lyrique; Melka, a legend, given at the Lamoureux concerts; ainte Cecile, for solos, chorus and orchestra; La Masse du Fantome, for voice and orchestra; a serenade, an overture, sonatas, trios, quartets, suites, etc., for various instruments; a suite for wind-instruments, etc. He received the Chartier prize in 1884 for his concerted compositions, and in 1895 succeeded Benjamin Godard as professor of the instrument ensemble class in the Conservatory.