Eugène Godecharle

Eugène-Charles-Jean Godecharle (bapt. 15 January 1742 – 26 June 1798)[1] was a Belgian violinist and composer.

Family

Godecharle was born in Brussels in 1742. His father, Jacques-Antoine Godecharle, was master of music in the church of St Nicholas, and bass singer at the court chapel of Prince Charles of Lorraine, governor of the Austrian Netherlands.[2] Eugène's brother Lambert-François was also a musician, replacing his father as master of music at St Nicholas; another brother was the sculptor Gilles-Lambert Godecharle.[3]

Career
Church of St Géry, Brussels (demolished 1798–1802)

Eugène began in the Prince's choir: his father, noting his talent as a violinist, sent him to Paris for lessons.[2][4]

On his return to Brussels, he played viola in the chapel from 1773. On the death of Henri-Jacques de Croes, master of the court chapel, in 1786, Godecharle applied to replace him but failed; he became lead violin only in 1788. In 1776 he became master of music at the Church of St Géry in Brussels, remaining in the post until his death.[2][4]

Compositions

Godecharle's publications include:[2]

  • Sonatas for violin with basso continuo, op. 1
  • Symphonie nocturne for strings, two oboes, two horns, piccolo and drum
  • Six symphonies, for strings, two oboes and two horns
  • Three sonatas for harp with violin accompaniment
  • Three sonatas for piano with violin accompaniment, op. 5

He left in manuscript much church music.

References
  1. Godecharle, Eugène Oxford Index.
  2. Godecharle (Eugène-Charles-Jean) François-Joseph Fétis. Biographie universelle des musiciens et bibliographie générale de la musique.
  3. "Godecharle (Lambert-François)" . Biographie nationale de Belgique (in French). 7. p. 434 – via Wikisource.
  4. "Godecharle (Eugène-Charles-Jean)" . Biographie nationale de Belgique (in French). 7. p. 434 – via Wikisource.
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