Marcel Dupré Dupré is considered by scholars to be one of the most virtuous organists of all time. He was a prolific composer with a large body of compositions to his credit. He also wrote books concerning acoustics, music philosophy, as well as methods for his students. Not only was he an excellent performer, he was a fabulous improviser.
Born: May 3, 1886, Rouen, Normandy, France
Died: May 30, 1971, Meudon, France
Marcel Dupré was born to musical parents and was a child prodigy, beginning music lessons at the age of 2 with Alexandre Guilmant. He attended the Paris Conservatory beginning in 1904, continuing his studies with Guilmant as well as Louise Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor. He graduated from The Paris Conservatory and was appointed professor there of organ performance and improvisation. Beginning in 1954 to 1956, he was the Director of The Paris Conservatory.
He also was the organist at St. Sulpice Church in Paris, succeeding Charles-Marie Widor in 1934. He remained at this church until his death.
As an instructor, he taught notable musicians including Jehan and Marie-Claire Alain, Jean Langlais, and Olivier Messiaen.
Dupré became somewhat of a world-wide celebrity in the 1920s when the John Wanamaker Department Stores of New York and Pennsylvania installed pipe organs in their department stores and held organ recitals featuring Dupré.
(The Wanamaker Department stores were absorbed by Macy's in 1995.)