Henri Gagnon

Henri Gagnon, born on March sixth, eighteen eighty-seven, was a distinguished Canadian composer, organist, and music educator. His remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which he dedicated fifty-one years to playing the organ at the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral in Quebec City. Music historian François Brassard noted that Gagnon achieved a level of prestige comparable to that of Europe's most celebrated organists.

As a revered teacher, Gagnon made significant contributions to music education, notably succeeding Wilfrid Pelletier as the second director of the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Québec. His influence extended to numerous institutions, where he inspired countless students with his passion for music.

In addition to his teaching, Gagnon was a prolific composer, primarily focusing on works for solo organ and piano. He also ventured into choral and vocal compositions, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Among his notable pieces is the Rondel de Thibaut de Champagne, which gained popularity through performances by Edward Johnson and Rodolphe Plamondon.

His compositions, including Mazurka from nineteen oh seven and Deux Antiennes, were recognized and recorded by the CBC Montreal Orchestra, further solidifying his legacy in the Canadian music scene.