Born:
November 20, 1827; his parents were originally from the French West Indies. His father was a bandmaster.
Birthplace:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Died:
1903 in Paris
Also Known As:
One of the famous Creole of color composers, violin prodigy and orchestra conductor at the Alcazar Theatre (where he served for 27 years).
Type of Compositions:
He wrote classical music, symphonies and overtures.
Influence:
Among his influences were Constantin Debergue, a black violinist and director of the local Philharmonic Society. Eugène Prévost, a well-known French-born conductor who taught Dede about harmony and counterpoint. Ludovico Gabici, his instruction under this musician was cut short due to hostility against African-American composers. Jacques-François Halevy, he was one of Dede's teachers at the Paris Conservatory of Music. The two eventually became good friends. He also studied with Jean Delphin Alard, a teacher and violinist.
Musical Work:
Some of his most noted musical works are: "Quasimodo Symphony," which was performed on May 10, 1865 at the Orleans Theater. Also, "Le Palmier Overture," "Le Sermente de L'Arabe" and "Patriotisme," this was his farewell song to New Orleans because he was forced to flee due to prejudice.
Interesting Facts:
He worked as a cigar maker in New Orleans and he used the money he saved to pay for his music studies.