Edmond Dédé was an accomplished musician and composer born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1827. As a child, he showed a natural aptitude for music and was encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion. He was sent to study music in Paris, where he quickly gained a reputation as a talented violinist. Here’s everything you need to know about Edmond Dédé, the American musician and composer.
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Background
In 1852, Dédé returned to New Orleans and became the conductor of the Philharmonic Society. He was the first black man to hold this position, and his appointment was considered groundbreaking at the time. Dédé went on to compose a number of works that were performed by the Philharmonic Society and other orchestras in the United States and Europe.
Despite his success, Dédé faced discrimination and racism throughout his career. He was often denied opportunities to perform and was forced to navigate a segregated musical landscape. However, his contributions to American music have been recognized in recent years, and he is now celebrated as a trailblazer and pioneer in the classical music world.
About
Fullname: Edmond Dédé
Nickname: Edmond
Date of birth: 20 November 1827
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Death: January 5, 1901, Paris, France
Profession: Musician and composer
Nationality: French
Educational Qualifications: Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris
Record Level: Naxos
Religion: Catholic
Wife name: Sylvie Leflet
Early Life and Education
Edmond Dédé was born on November 11, 1827, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a free woman of color and a white man of French and Spanish descent. His mother was a hairdresser, and his father was a schoolteacher who played the violin. Dédé showed an interest in music from a young age and began taking violin lessons from his father when he was five years old.
When he was ten years old, Dédé was sent to France to study music. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and became the first person of African descent to win a prize for violin at the conservatory. Dédé was highly regarded by his professors and fellow students, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim.
After completing his studies, Dédé traveled to London and performed in concerts throughout Europe. He returned to New Orleans in 1852, where he became the conductor of the Philharmonic Society. He was the first person of African descent to hold this position in the United States.
Dédé composed a number of works for the Philharmonic Society, including “Le Rosier,” “La Coupe du Roi de Thulé,” and “Le Palmier Overture.” He also composed music for the St. Cecilia Society and the Excelsior Brass Band. His compositions were well-received and helped to establish him as a leading figure in the New Orleans music scene.
Personal Life
Edmond Dédé was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to a woman named Ellen Brien, with whom he had two daughters. However, the marriage ended in divorce, and Dédé eventually remarried a woman named Celestine. With Celestine, Dédé had three sons, two of whom became musicians themselves.
Dédé was known to be a social and outgoing person, and he was well-liked by those who knew him. He was a member of several social organizations, including the Mystic Krewe of Comus and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
Dédé was also a deeply religious person and was active in the Catholic Church. He was a member of the St. Augustine Church, which was a predominantly African American congregation. He served as the church’s choir director and was responsible for organizing the music for the church’s services.
In addition to his work as a musician and composer, Dédé was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Republican Party and was appointed as a justice of the peace in New Orleans. He also served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868.
Bordeaux
Edmond Dédé had a significant connection to Bordeaux, France, throughout his career as a musician and composer. In 1865, Dédé was invited to Bordeaux to conduct a series of concerts with the Société Philharmonique de Bordeaux. The concerts were well-received, and Dédé was praised for his skill as a conductor and composer.
Following his success in Bordeaux, Dédé returned to the city several times over the years to conduct more concerts and to compose music. In 1880, he was commissioned to write a symphony for the Société Philharmonique de Bordeaux, which was premiered in the city later that year.
Dédé’s connection to Bordeaux was not limited to his work as a musician. In 1865, he married a woman named Marie-Louise Vairin, who was originally from Bordeaux. The couple had three children together, and they spent time living in both New Orleans and Bordeaux.
In 2018, the city of Bordeaux honored Dédé with a statue in his likeness. The statue, which is located in the Jardin Public, was unveiled as part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month. The statue depicts Dédé holding a violin and looking out over the park, a tribute to his contributions to both American and French music.
The link between Edmond Dédé and Bordeaux serves as a testament to the power of music to bring people together across cultures and borders. Dédé’s work as a composer and conductor helped to bridge the gap between New Orleans and Bordeaux, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers today.
Edmond Dédé was also known for his work as a teacher. He taught music at several institutions throughout his career, including the St. Augustine School in New Orleans and the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia. His students included several prominent musicians and composers, including his own son, Achille Dédé.
In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Dédé was also an accomplished violinist. He was known for his virtuosic performances and was regarded as one of the best violinists of his time. He was known to incorporate improvisation into his performances, which added an element of excitement and surprise for his audiences.
Dédé was a trailblazer in the world of classical music, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes about race and music. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, and his contributions to American and French music are an important part of the cultural history of both countries. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer in the world of classical music and a symbol of the power of music to unite people of different cultures and backgrounds.
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