Joseph Noyon: French Composer and Choirmaster

Joseph Noyon was a French composer, organist, and choirmaster renowned for his significant contributions to sacred choral music in the early to mid-20th century, particularly through his long tenure at the Basilica of Saint-Eustache in Paris.Born in Douai, France, Joseph Noyon studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Gabriel Fauré and Charles-Marie Widor. He won the prestigious Premier Second Grand Prix de Rome in 1921. His career was centered in Paris, most notably serving as choirmaster at the Basilica of Saint-Eustache for over three decades (1923-1958), collaborating closely with organists like Joseph Bonnet and Marcel Dupré. Noyon composed extensively, primarily sacred choral works, masses, motets, and organ pieces, characterized by lyrical melodies and accessible harmonies rooted in tradition. He also taught harmony at the Schola Cantorum.
  • During World War I, Noyon served in the French army and was seriously wounded, an experience that deeply affected him.
  • His long association with Saint-Eustache placed him at the heart of Parisian sacred music life, where he trained numerous singers and influenced the repertoire performed there.
  • Despite his prolific output and important position, Noyon's music fell somewhat out of mainstream favor after his death, overshadowed by more modernist trends, though it has seen periodic revivals, especially within church music circles.
  • He succeeded the renowned composer and organist Joseph Bonnet as choirmaster at Saint-Eustache, maintaining the high musical standards of the institution.