Barblan studied organ, composition and piano at Stuttgart Conservatory. He taught music at Chur and served as organist for the Cathedral of St. Peter in Geneva until 1942, the year before his death. In his capacity as conductor of the Société de Chant Sacré he introduced the works of Bach, Beethoven, Handel and Franck to Geneva's musical society. His own compositions are in a neo-Baroque style and are most successful in his patriotic works for organ and choir.