Dupré, Marcel (1886-1971)

French organist and composer. He was appointed professor of organ at the Paris Conservatory in 1926 and organist at Saint-Sulpice in 1936, succeeding Charles Marie Widor. From 1954 to 1956 he was director of the Conservatory.

He played Bach from memory at the age of ten, and in 1898 was appointed organist of the church of Saint-Vivien in Rouen. He produced an oratorio in 1901. After that he studied piano, organ, and composition at the Paris Conservatory and won the Prix de Rome in 1914 as a pupil of Widor. He was organist at Notre-Dame 1916-22 during the illness of Louis Vierne. His pupils at the Conservatory included Jehan Alain and Olivier Messiaen.

Works the oratorio Le Songe de Jacob, motets and De Profundis; two symphonies; concerto for organ and orchestra (1934); violin and piano sonata; cello pieces; songs; many organ works including Symphonie-Passion, 79 chorales, Le Chemin de la Croix.