August De Boeck

Julianus Marie August De Boeck (May 9, 1865 in Merchtem, Belgium – October 9, 1937 in Merchtem) was a Belgian composer, organist and music pedagogue. He was the son of organist and director Florentinus (Flor) De Boeck (1826-1892) Career From 1880 he studied organ at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under Alphonse Mailly, whose assistant he became until 1902. In 1889 he met the young Paul Gilson who became a close friend and, despite being the same age, his teacher for orchestration. Gilson encouraged De Boeck's composition work. He became an organist at various churches in Belgian villages (1892-1894 in Merchtem, 1894-1920 in Elsene). His academic career continued in 1907 as professor of harmony at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp (1909–1920) and the Brussels Conservatory, and as director of the Conservatory of Mechelen (1921–1930). His students included Maria Scheepers. In 1930 August De Boeck retired to his birthplace, Merchtem. As with Gilson, De Boeck's style was influenced by the Russian Five, and especially Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Along with Gilson, he introduced impressionist composition in Belgium. He wrote about 400 compositions including vocal work, operas, religious pieces and instrumental compositions. Honours 1934 : Commander in the Order of Leopold. Member of the Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium Works Orchestral works 1893 Rhapsodie Dahoméenne 1895 Symphony in G 1923 Fantasy on two Flemish folk tunes 1926 Fantasy for oboe and orchestra 1929 Concerto for violin and orchestra 1929 Concerto for Hans piano and orchestra (with Maria Scheepers) 1931 Nocturne 1932 Concerto for piano and orchestra 1936 Cantilène for cello and chamber orchestra 1937 In schuur Cinderella, symphonic poem Elegy for string orchestra Gavotte for string orchestra Sacred works Three Masses, for three voices and organ 17 Spiritual Songs 1898 Trois Pièces, for organ 1. Prélude 2. Andante 3.