Gigout, Eugène 03/23/1844 - 12/09/1925

Eugène Gigout (* 23. März 1844 in Nancy; † 9. Dezember 1925 in Paris) was a French organist and composer.
He first studied music at the Cathedral of Nancy in the boys' choir there. In 1857 he was accepted at the Ecole Niedermeyer in Paris and became a pupil of Camille Saint-Saëns and Gustave Lefèvre.



Later he taught at the Ecole Niedermeyer, where his students included Gabriel Fauré and Leon Boellmann, his nephew-by-marriage, Leon Boellmann. The latter was also a fine organist and composer for the organ, who unfortunately died young at age 35.



Gigout was the organist of St. Augustin Church in Paris for 62 years. His output as a composer was considerable. He was an expert improviser, and founded his own music school.



His compositions include:

"Toccata in B Minor", probably his best-known work. It is a popular encore piece at organ recitals.
"Grand Choeur Dialogue" (Full Organ in Dialogue)
"Scherzo in E Major"
"Marche Religieuse"
"10 pièces pour orgue" (composed 1890)