Who composed the music for Canada's national anthem? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Calixa Lavallée: The Father of O Canada
Calixa Lavallée was a Canadian composer, conductor, and pianist best known for composing the music for "O Canada," which eventually became the national anthem of Canada. Here are some interesting facts about Calixa Lavallée and "O Canada":
Birth and Early Life: Calixa Lavallée was born on December 28, 1842, in Verchères, Quebec, Canada. He showed musical talent from a young age and began studying music in Montreal.
Trained in Europe: Lavallée went to Europe for further musical training. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and received instruction in composition and piano from notable musicians of the time.
Versatile Musician: In addition to being a composer, Lavallée was a skilled conductor and pianist. He was involved in various musical activities, including conducting operas and composing works for piano and voice.
Composing "O Canada": Lavallée composed the music for "O Canada" in 1880. The original lyrics were in French, written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The English lyrics, which are the ones commonly used today, were written by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908.
Premiere of "O Canada": "O Canada" was first performed on June 24, 1880, during a St. Jean-Baptiste Day banquet in Quebec City. The song gained popularity and was used in various patriotic events.
Not Initially the National Anthem: Although "O Canada" was a popular and patriotic song, it did not become Canada's official national anthem immediately. It was not until July 1, 1980, that "O Canada" was officially designated as the national anthem, replacing "God Save the Queen."
Legacy: Calixa Lavallée's legacy extends beyond "O Canada." He composed a variety of works, including operas, orchestral pieces, and chamber music. While "O Canada" is undoubtedly his most well-known composition, his contributions to Canadian music are recognized more broadly.
Death: Calixa Lavallée died on January 21, 1891, at the age of 48. Despite his relatively short life, his impact on Canadian music and culture endures through his compositions, particularly the national anthem, "O Canada."