A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Deldevez, Ernest

DELDEVEZ, ERNEST, born in Paris May 31, 1817, studied at the Conservatoire, where he was a pupil of Habeneck, and obtained the first violin prize in 1833, the second prize for fugue in 1837, and the second 'prix de Rome" in 1838 for his cantata 'La Vendetta,' which he subsequently revised and printed (op. 16). That he is not only a talented violinist and leader, but also a sound and melodious composer, is shown in his published works. These consist of songs, sacred choruses, 2 trios (op. 9 and 23), quartets (op. 10), a quintet (op. 22), concert-overtures (op. 1 and 3), symphonies (op. 2, 8, 15), besides some still unpublished; a 'Requiem' (op. 7), and dramatic works, besides others still in MS. Among his ballets performed at the Opera we may mention 'Lady Henriette' (3rd act), 'Eucharis' (1844), 'Paquita' (1846), and 'Vertvert' (1851), which contain much pleasing and brilliant music. This learned and conscientious musician has also published an Anthology of Violinists, 4 vols. (op. 19)—a selection of pieces by various composers, from Corelli to Viotti; a work 'Des Principes de la formation des intervalles et des accords'; the 'Cours complet d'harmonie et de haute composition' of Fenaroli; 'Transcriptions et Réalisations d'œuvres anciennes'; 'Curiosités Musicales' (Didot, 1873), on certain peculiarities in the works of the great masters, and 'L'art du Chef d'Orchestre' (Didot, 1878). On the death of George Hainl (1873) Deldevez was appointed first leader to the 'Académie' and to the 'Sociéte des Concerts.' In October 1873 he was chosen to direct the class for instrumental performance, instituted at the Conservatoire at the instance of Ambroise Thomas, and hitherto most successful. He retired from the Opera July i, 1877. Deldevez is a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.

[ G. C. ]