Of the many styles of music produced in 19th century New Orleans, the least well known was music composed by people of colour, especially free Creoles of colour. These French-speaking and often wealthy citizens felt a strong connection to European culture and classical music.
Music historian Lester Sullivan (1947-2013) introduces us to some of the more important figures: Edmund Dédé (1827-1901), Charles Lucien Lambert (1828-1896), and Basile Barès (1845 or 1846-1902), the only slave to ever get his musical work copyrighted. These composers and performers had strong links to France, and we learn how eventually they even influenced European music.
Producer: David Swatling
Broadcast: September 27, 2002