Eugène Godecharle

Godecharle was born in Brussels in 1742. His father, Jacques-Antoine Godecharle, was master of music in the church of St Nicholas, and bass singer at the court chapel of Prince Charles of Lorraine, governor of the Austrian Netherlands.[2] Eugène's brother Lambert-François was also a musician, replacing his father as master of music at St Nicholas; another brother was the sculptor Gilles-Lambert Godecharle.[3]

Church of St Géry, Brussels (demolished 1798–1802)

Eugène began in the Prince's choir: his father, noting his talent as a violinist, sent him to Paris for lessons.[2][4]

On his return to Brussels, he played viola in the chapel from 1773. On the death of Henri-Jacques de Croes, master of the court chapel, in 1786, Godecharle applied to replace him but failed; he became lead violin only in 1788. In 1776 he became master of music at the Church of St Géry in Brussels, remaining in the post until his death.[2][4]

Godecharle's publications include:[2]

• Sonatas for violin with basso continuo, op. 1
• Symphonie nocturne for strings, two oboes, two horns, piccolo and drum
• Six symphonies, for strings, two oboes and two horns
• Three sonatas for harp with violin accompaniment
• Three sonatas for piano with violin accompaniment, op. 5

He left in manuscript much church music.

• Free scores by Eugène Godecharle at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
• Eugène Godecharle, Requiem Survey.