Lekeu, Guillaume (1870–1894)

Belgian composer. In 1891 he won second prize in the Belgian Prix de Rome with the lyric scene Andromède, and was thought likely to become the leading representative of the Belgian school had he not died at a very early age.

Lekeu was born in Heusy, Verviers. He studied with César Franck and Vincent d'Indy in Paris, France. His most memorable works are an adagio for strings, a string quartet, a piano trio, a piano quartet (finished by d'Indy), a violin sonata, and a piano sonata.

Works Orchestral symphonic study on Shakespeare's Hamlet (1887), Fantasie sur deux airs populaires angevins for orchestra, adagio for string quartet and orchestra, introduction and adagio for brass.

Vocal Chant lyrique for chorus and orchestra, Trois Poèmes for voice and piano.

Chamber piano quartet (completed by d'Indy), piano trio, violin and piano sonata (1891), cello and piano sonata (completed by d'Indy), three piano pieces.