EPISODE · Apr 9, 2024 · 5 MIN

Episode 19. Honneur et patrie.

from How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone · host Álvaro Molina Cedena

In 1845, in the French capital, what is known as the reform of French military music took place. Adolphe Sax engaged in a musical duel with Michele Carafa, director of Le Gymnase de Musique Militaire, an academy dedicated to the musical training of military musicians in the French army. To decide between the proposals presented, a concert was organized at Champ de Mars in Paris. The audience enthusiastically applauded the instrumental ensemble presented by Sax, who emerged victorious, thus introducing his instruments into French military bands, consequently increasing sales for his business. The establishment of the Republic in 1848 led to the removal of his instruments from the French army, until the restoration of the monarchy by Napoleon III returned Sax’s monopoly in the manufacture of musical instruments for the Imperial Guard of the nation.