Achille Philip

Paul Camille Casimir Achille Philip (12 October 1878 - 12 November 1959) was a French organist, composer, conductor and pedagogue. A prolific performer, he occupied numerous posts as titular organist at various important churches throughout France, and taught at the Schola Cantorum in Paris. Philip also co-founded the Quatuor français along with his first wife, Marthe Legrand. Biography Born in Arles, Provence on 12 October 1878, Philip entered the Conservatory of Marseille at the age of nine. There, he won first prizes for solfeggio in 1894, piano in 1896, and harmony in 1898. In October 1898, he entered the Conservatory of Paris to study organ with Alexandre Guilmant and composition with Charles Lenepveu. Philip won first prize in counterpoint and fugue in 1904. From 1904 to 1913 Philip served as organist of the choir organ at La Madeleine in Paris. From 1904 to 1950 he was professor of organ and harmony at the Schola Cantorum. Philip also held the position of titular organist at the following churches: *Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas (1913-1928); * Saint-Léon (1928-1949); * Saint-François-Xavier (1941-1946, from thereon succeeded by Gaston Litaize); *Val-de-Grâce (1913-1950) At Val-d