La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix
Encyclopedia
The band of the Paris prefecture of police (Préfecture de Police) dates its creation from an order of the Prefect of Police (Préfet de Police) Jean Chiappe on March 31, 1929.
Earlier origins consist of outdoor groups during the French Revolution
and later which performed as "Gardes Françaises" during civic occasions. Composers Charles Simon Catel (1773–1830) and François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829) are considered the godfathers of the band. The band can also take its origins back to 1800, the beginnings of the Préfecture de Police of Paris. The Code Napoleon of the time called for a drum roll to announce the police commissioner’s warning that weapons might be necessary during disturbances. A predecessor band was the "7th Arrondissement Musical Union" formed in 1919 by a Sergeant Martin. This gathered musicians from two Arrondissements of Paris
, the 18th and 19th.
La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix from 1929 was conducted by Jules Bleu and Denis Roussel.
The band was dissolved in 1942 during the occupation. A resistance network organized by the band was headed by Andre Houillier (bass clarinet). Three band members died in the resistance: George Provost (tuba), Philippe Chevrier (tuba) and Philippe Sitterlin (bugle). After the liberation of Paris, La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix performed the formerly banned national anthem La Marseillaise
at the main courtyard of the prefecture of police on August 24, 1944.
Conductors from 1945-1999 have included Felix Coulibeuf, Désiré Dondeyne
, Claude Pichaureau, François Boulanger, Louis Tillet, and Philippe Ferro.
The 122 musicians currently offer over 100 concerts annually in the Paris area and abroad. Members are recruited from the national academies, and must be both musicians and policemen. The conductor since October 2008 is Peter Walter.
The band has released a large repertoire of music from three centuries on the Calliope, Club Français du Disque , Erato, Music Guild, Nonesuch, Teldec, and Westminster labels. Recordings have received prizes from the Académie Charles Cros and Académie du disque français.
Earlier origins consist of outdoor groups during the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
and later which performed as "Gardes Françaises" during civic occasions. Composers Charles Simon Catel (1773–1830) and François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829) are considered the godfathers of the band. The band can also take its origins back to 1800, the beginnings of the Préfecture de Police of Paris. The Code Napoleon of the time called for a drum roll to announce the police commissioner’s warning that weapons might be necessary during disturbances. A predecessor band was the "7th Arrondissement Musical Union" formed in 1919 by a Sergeant Martin. This gathered musicians from two Arrondissements of Paris
Arrondissements of Paris
The city of Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements municipaux administrative districts, more simply referred to as arrondissements . These are not to be confused with departmental arrondissements, which subdivide the 101 French départements...
, the 18th and 19th.
La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix from 1929 was conducted by Jules Bleu and Denis Roussel.
The band was dissolved in 1942 during the occupation. A resistance network organized by the band was headed by Andre Houillier (bass clarinet). Three band members died in the resistance: George Provost (tuba), Philippe Chevrier (tuba) and Philippe Sitterlin (bugle). After the liberation of Paris, La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix performed the formerly banned national anthem La Marseillaise
La Marseillaise
"La Marseillaise" is the national anthem of France. The song, originally titled "Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin" was written and composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in 1792. The French National Convention adopted it as the Republic's anthem in 1795...
at the main courtyard of the prefecture of police on August 24, 1944.
Conductors from 1945-1999 have included Felix Coulibeuf, Désiré Dondeyne
Désiré Dondeyne
Désiré Louis Corneille Dondeyne is a French conductor, composer, and teacher born in Laon in the Aisne département July 21, 1921.He studied music at the conservatory in Lille and beginning in 1936 at the Conservatoire de Paris. Dondeyne earned first prize in clarinet, chamber music, harmony,...
, Claude Pichaureau, François Boulanger, Louis Tillet, and Philippe Ferro.
The 122 musicians currently offer over 100 concerts annually in the Paris area and abroad. Members are recruited from the national academies, and must be both musicians and policemen. The conductor since October 2008 is Peter Walter.
The band has released a large repertoire of music from three centuries on the Calliope, Club Français du Disque , Erato, Music Guild, Nonesuch, Teldec, and Westminster labels. Recordings have received prizes from the Académie Charles Cros and Académie du disque français.
External links
- La Musique des Gardiens de la Paix web site http://www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr/connaitre/Musique/Musique.htm