Jean Gallon

Jean Gallon was born on 25 June 1878 in Paris (France). He studied piano (under Louis Diemer) and theory (under Albert Lavignac and Charles Lenepveu) at the Paris Conservatory. In 1906 after his studies Jean Gallon first became the chorus director of the Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire and since 1909 fulfilled the same position at the Paris Opera. In 1919 Jean Gallon was appointed harmony teacher at the Paris Conservatory. He held this position for 30 years until his retirement and today Jean Gallon is best known for being the harmony teacher of an enormous number of leading French composers of the 20th century. Among his notable students are Olivier Messiaen, Henri Dutilleux, Charles Chaynes, Jean Rivier, Robert Casadesus, Marcel Delannoy, Pierre Sancan, Paul Tortelier, Henri Challan, Raymond Gallois-Montbrun, Jean Hubeau, Maurice Durufle, Ulvi Cemal Erkin and Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur. Jean Gallon died on 23 June 1959 in Paris (France).

Beside his work as a teacher Jean Gallon also wrote many compositions and several books with harmony exercises. Among his compositions are the ballet "Hansli le Bossu" which he composed together with his brother Noel, many songs, chamber and choral music. The achievements of Jean Gallon as a composer are regrettably masked by his significance as a peadagogue and so his works sank into oblivion more and more over the decades.

In my possession are two autograph manuscripts of compositions by Jean Gallon.

First a full score and parts for an arrangement of "Viviane". The work was published by Editions Pierre Noel in a version for violin and piano. My manuscripts give an arrangement for 2 violins, cello, contrabass and piano.

Second I have a full score and parts for an arrangement of "Berceuse pour Guy". Again this work was published through Editions Pierre Noel in a version for violin and piano. My manuscripts show an arrangement for violin, cello, contrabass and piano.

Additionally I own the published scores of both Viviane and Berceuse pour Guy as well as of "Serenade pour piano et quintette a cordes" (published through Les Editions de Paris).