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Anton DerfeldtComposer and bandmaster
Date of Birth: 01.01.1810
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Content:
- Early Life and Training
- Unplanned Military Service and Honors
- - Earned the Order of the Legion of Honor for his service.
- Rise to Prominence
- - Organized concerts and musical evenings at the regiment.
- Legacy and Musical Contributions
- - Nurtured some of the first military orchestra soloists.
Early Life and Training
Father's Influence:- Father, a renowned composer and conductor, invited by Emperor Alexander I to form a choir of military musicians in Russia.
- Became the first conductor of Russian Guard troops and founded the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society.
- Inspired his son, Derfeldt, to pursue music, leading to his studies at the Paris Conservatory.
Unplanned Military Service and Honors
Unapproved Military Expedition:- Despite not receiving permission from the Russian government, Derfeldt participated in the conquest of Algeria.
- Earned the Order of the Legion of Honor for his service.
Imprisonment and Exile:- Upon his return to Russia, he was imprisoned for desertion and sent to the Caucasus as a private in the Nizhny Novgorod Dragoon Regiment.
Rise to Prominence
Concert Organizer and Officer:- Despite his exile, Derfeldt's musical talent gained recognition among fellow officers.
- Organized concerts and musical evenings at the regiment.
Assistant Conductor Appointment:- In 1844, his reputation grew to the extent that he was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Guard Troops.
Legacy and Musical Contributions
Conductor of Guard District and Composer:- Succeeded Haaze as Conductor and Musical Inspector of the Guards District in 1850.
- Arranged countless musical pieces for military bands, which are still performed today.
- Nurtured some of the first military orchestra soloists.
- Composed popular romances and contributed to music journals.Founder of Music Magazine:
- Published the only orchestral journal in Russia, which ceased upon his death.
