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Béique, Alcibiade
Alcibiade Béique. Organist, teacher, b St-Jean-Baptiste-de-Rouville, near Montreal, 20 Oct 1856, d Montreal 20 Jun 1896. After organ lessons with Romain-Octave Pelletier, he studied 1877-8 at the Liège Cons and travelled in Italy, France, and England. He then lived for five years in the USA before returning in 1885 to St-Hyacinthe, where he taught and was organist 1886-91 at the cathedral. He studied further 1887-8 at the Paris Cons with Eugène Gigout and Alexandre Guilmant. Upon being introduced by the Casavant brothers to the priest at Notre-Dame Church, Montreal, he was offered charge of the church's great organs, succeeding J.-B. Labelle. His official appointment began 24 Jan 1891, the same day the new organ was inaugurated by the US organist Frederick Archer. Béique became known for his virtuosity and for his skill as an accompanist and improviser. A member of the AMQ, he enjoyed some success as a teacher of organ, piano, and harmony. His pupils included Amédée Tremblay.
