Magnard, (Lucien Denis Gabriel) Albéric (1865–1914)

French composer. His masterpieces, the operas Guercoeur and Berenice, owe something in their structure to the example of Wagner, but also reveal an individual visionary lyricism.

Magnard studied at the Paris Conservatory and in 1888 became a private pupil of d'Indy. As the son of Francis Magnard, editor of Le Figaro, he was comfortably off and never held any official posts. He retired to Baron, in Picardy, to devote himself to composition, published his works himself, and never took any trouble to have them performed, though some were brought out by enthusiastic friends. During the very first days of World War I he shot two German soldiers from his window and was killed by a sniper. His house, including several of his manuscripts, was burnt down.

Works Opera Yolande, (1891), (destroyed), Guercœur (partly destroyed 1900; performed 1931), and Bérénice.

Orchestral four symphonies, (1890, 1893, 1896, 1913); Suite dans le style ancien; Chant funèbre; overture Hymne à la Justice and Hymne à Vénus (1904).

Chamber string quartet (1903), piano trio, piano and wind quintet; violin and piano sonata, cello and piano sonata.

Other piano pieces; songs.