François-Clément Théodore Dubois was born on August 24, 1837 in Rosnay, France. He studied at the Conservatoire in Paris, and then in Rome under Ambroise Thomas in 1861.
In 1866 he sought employment with one of the Opera houses. After failing that he became really active as an organist and teacher, but kept composing.
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” is likely his most enduring work. He wrote it in 1867 in Paris.
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He composed many forms: ballets, masses, other church music, orchestral works, Overtures, organ pieces, and a symphonic poem.
His real interest was in operas. In the 1870’s and 1880’s, he had some operas staged in Paris.
In 1871, he became professor of harmony at the Conservatoire. In 1877, Dubois was head organist at the Church at Madeleine. In 1871, he became professor of harmony at the Conservatoire, and was head from 1896-1905.
Dubois was known for his technical treatises on harmony, counterpoint and sight-reading.
He died on June 11, 1924 in Paris, France.
Sources
Forrest M. McCann, Hymns & History: A.C.U Press, 1997. Page 393
William Benton, publisher Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1961. Volume 7, page 703
