Benjamin Godard

Benjamin Godard was a French composer and violinist, born on August 18, 1849, in Paris. He was a child prodigy on the violin and entered the Paris Conservatoire at a young age, studying under notable figures like Henri Vieuxtemps and Henri Reber. Despite failing to win the Prix de Rome, Godard became a prominent figure in French musical life, known for his compositions that spanned various genres, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. His most famous work is the opera *Jocelyn*, particularly the "Berceuse," which remains widely recognized today. Godard's style was influenced by Romantic-era composers such as Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Schumann, and he avoided the influence of Wagner, which was prevalent during his time.

Godard's career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Prix de la Ville de Paris in 1878 for his dramatic symphony *Le Tasse*. He also founded the Société des Concerts Modernes and taught at the Paris Conservatoire. Despite his prolific output, Godard's music fell out of favor after his death, partly due to the rise of new musical styles by composers like Debussy and Ravel. Godard passed away on January 10, 1895, at the age of 45, due to tuberculosis.

Genres

Classical

Opera

Chamber Music

Art Song

French Classical

Violin Music

Latest Release

Jocelyn, Op. 100: Berceuse (Violin and Piano)

Benjamin Godard

Single - Released April 12, 2024