19th century french composer and organist

His influence as a teacher, in particular, was considerable.

French mountain music

At a time when nationalist feelings were high in both countries circa the Franco-Prussian War of , this brought Franck into conflict with other musicians who wished to separate French music from German influence. From the age of 14 d'Indy studied harmony with Albert Lavignac. When he was 16 an uncle introduced him to Berlioz's treatise on orchestration, which inspired him to become a composer.

Franck recognised his talent and recommended that d'Indy pursue a career as a composer. At the age of 19, during the Franco-Prussian War , d'Indy enlisted in the National Guard, but returned to musical life as soon as the hostilities were over. He also served as chorus-master to the Concerts Colonne. The first of his works he heard performed was a Symphonie italienne , at an orchestral rehearsal under Jules Pasdeloup ; the work was admired by Georges Bizet and Jules Massenet , with whom he had already become acquainted.

On 25 January , his overture Les Piccolomini was performed at a Pasdeloup concert, sandwiched between works by Bach and Beethoven. That same year he played a minor role — the prompter — at the premiere of Bizet's opera Carmen. This made a great impression on him and he became a fervent Wagnerian. In his choral work Le Chant de la cloche appeared.

In his symphonic poem Saugefleurie was premiered. In appeared his Suite in D for trumpet, 2 flutes and string quartet. That same year he was involved in Lamoureux's production of Wagner's Lohengrin as choirmaster.