Louis-Antoine Jullien facts for kids
Louis-Antoine Jullien (born April 23, 1812 – died March 14, 1860) was a famous French conductor and composer. His full birth name was incredibly long: Louis George Maurice Adolphe Roche Albert Abel Antonio Alexandre Noë Jean Lucien Daniel Eugène Joseph-le-brun Joseph-Barême Thomas Thomas Thomas-Thomas Pierre Arbon Pierre-Maurel Barthélemi Artus Alphonse Bertrand Dieudonné Emanuel Josué Vincent Luc Michel Jules-de-la-plane Jules-Bazin Julio César Jullien. Luckily, he shortened it to Louis-Antoine Jullien! He was known for his lively and popular music.
Early Life and Many Names
Jullien was born in a town called Sisteron in France. His father, Antonio Jullien, was a violinist. Louis-Antoine received his many, many names during his baptism. This happened because his father was playing a concert for the Sisteron Philharmonic Society. To be polite, he asked a member of the orchestra to be the baby's godfather. But since everyone wanted the honor, Louis-Antoine was given the names of all thirty-six members of the society!
He later joined the army and studied music at the Paris Conservatoire. However, he loved putting on a good show and preferred lighter, more popular music. This was different from the serious classical music taught at the school, and it eventually cost him his place there.
Life in Paris and London
Jullien lived in Paris from 1826 to 1838. During this time, he conducted a band at a popular place called the Jardin Turc. He became very well-known for his exciting performances.
However, he had to leave Paris because of money problems. In 1840, he moved to London, England, where he stayed until 1856. In London, he created a great orchestra. He conducted bands and orchestras at special concerts called promenade concerts. These concerts were already popular in London's outdoor gardens. But Jullien helped make indoor "proms" a big part of London's music scene. The famous BBC Proms that still happen today have their roots in these concerts.
Traveling and Later Years
Jullien traveled with his orchestra to many places, including the Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland, and America. He played a mix of popular light music and classical pieces. He played an important role in helping many people discover and enjoy classical music.
For many years, he was a familiar and popular figure in England. People often saw his portly figure and fancy waistcoats. He was even featured often in the early issues of Punch, a famous humor magazine.
In 1852, he put on an opera called Pietro il grande at Covent Garden. He spent a huge amount of money on the show, hoping it would be a big success. However, the opera was not popular, and it caused him to lose all his money.
He stayed in America until 1854, then returned to London for a short time. Eventually, he went back to Paris. In 1859, he faced more financial difficulties.
Louis-Antoine Jullien passed away in 1860. Even twenty years after his death, people in London still remembered him. He was mentioned in W. S. Gilbert's opera Patience (1881) as "Jullien, the eminent musico."
See also
In Spanish: Louis-Antoine Jullien para niños
