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Georges BarboteuFrench horn player, teacher and composer.
Date of Birth: 01.04.1924
Country:  France |
Content:
Early Years and Education
Georges Barboteu began his musical journey at a tender age of nine, under the guidance of his father, Joseph Barboteu, a professor at the Algiers Conservatory. By the age of 14, he had already joined the Algerian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
In 1939, Barboteu enrolled at the Paris Conservatory, but the outbreak of World War II forced him to return to Algiers without completing his studies. During the war years, he immersed himself in the Algiers Radio Orchestra, enhancing his horn-playing skills and complementing his musical education with studies in harmony, counterpoint, and double bass. This period also marked the inception of his compositional endeavors.
Return to France and Professional Career
Following the war, Barboteu returned to France and secured a position as a member of the Orchestre National de France in 1948, under the esteemed leadership of Charles Munch. In 1950, he returned to the Paris Conservatory and emerged as a laureate of the prestigious International Music Competition in Geneva in 1951.
Barboteu's exceptional talent and dedication led him to prominent solo positions with the Lamoureux Orchestra, the Paris Opera Orchestra, and, from 1969 onwards, the Orchestre de Paris. Throughout his career, he shared his knowledge and expertise as a professor at the Paris Conservatory from 1969 to 1989. During this time, he also founded the ensemble "Ars Nova."
Legacy and Contributions
Georges Barboteu's legacy extends beyond his remarkable performances. He penned numerous pedagogical works on horn playing, providing invaluable guidance to aspiring musicians. His repertoire included approximately 40 original compositions for solo horn and ensembles. His contributions to the horn repertoire enriched the instrument's musical possibilities.
In recognition of his exceptional achievements, Barboteu was honored as the second Frenchman, after Lucien Thevet, to be elected an Honorary Member of the International Horn Society in 1998.
Awards
First Prize, Algiers Conservatory (1935)Honorary Prize, Paris Conservatory (1950)
First Prize, International Music Competition in Geneva (1951)
