Haute-Ville in Québec in Communauté-Urbaine-de-Québec, — Central Canada (French-Canadian)
Calixa Lavallée
(1842-1891)
Calixa Lavallée was one of the first Canadian musicians to win an international reputation. He studied in Montréal and Paris and was, at various times, an itinerant musician, military bandsman, choral and orchestra conductor, teacher and composer in both his homeland and the United States. While resident in this house, Lavallée was asked to write an anthem for the Saint Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations of 1880. His composition, to words by Judge Adolphe-Basile Routhier, was O Canada.
French:
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 46° 48.916′ N, 71° 12.49′ W. Marker is in Québec, in Communauté-Urbaine-de-Québec. It is in Haute-Ville. Marker is on Rue Couillard close to Rue Hamel, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22 Rue Couillard, Québec G1R 3T3, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maison François-Xavier Garneau (within shouting distance of this marker); Maison Marie-Joseph-Larchevêque (within shouting distance of this marker); Octave Crémazie (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Les photographes Livernois (about 90 meters away); Guillaume Verrier (about 120 meters away); Monseigneur Joseph-Clovis K.-Laflamme (about 120 meters away); Site historique du Monastère-des-Augustines de-l'Hôtel-Dieu-de-Québec (about 120 meters away); Marie-Catherine de Saint-Augustin (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Québec.
Also see . . . Calixa Lavallée - Dictionary of Canadian Biography. The idea of a national song composed for the occasion was discussed, but there was not enough time to hold a competition. Thus Gagnon suggested that Lavallée should write a musical setting for a patriotic poem as quickly as possible. The result was O Canada, with words by judge Adolphe-Basile Routhier*, which was first performed to great public acclaim on the evening of 24 June 1880 by three bands assembled for a banquet in the Pavillon des Patineurs at Quebec and conducted by Joseph Vézina. (Submitted on March 11, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.