Georges Marty

Georges-Eugène Marty (Paris, 16 May 1860 – Paris, 11 October 1908 ) was a French conductor and composer associated with both major opera houses in Paris.

Career

Showing musical talent very early on, and entering the Paris Conservatoire aged 12, he won the first prize for solfege there in 1875. Marty took the first prize for harmony in 1878 and the Prix de Rome in 1882 with his cantata Edith (he was a pupil of Massenet). After his stay in Rome, he travelled to Sicily, Tunisia and Germany before returning to the French capital and gaining much experience as a chorus master.

Marty was the conductor of the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire from 12 June 1901 to 11 October 1908, directing a wide repertoire from Bach to contemporary composers, giving and several local premieres.

In 1906 he replaced Jules Danbé at the Casino de Vichy classical concerts, but although in otherwise good health, he died there from disease of the liver just as the 1908 season was finishing. His wife was a mezzo-soprano active in both the opera house and on the concert platform; his only son was killed at the beginning of the First World War.