Jean Deslauriers

Jean Deslauriers (March 27, 1909 – May 30, 1978) was a prominent Canadian conductor, composer, and educator. He played a significant role in the development of classical music and broadcasting in Canada during the mid-20th century, particularly through his extensive work with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Biography

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Deslauriers began his musical studies at a young age, showing early promise as a pianist and organist. He studied piano with Romain-Octave Pelletier, organ with Eugène Lapierre, and harmony and counterpoint with Claude Champagne. His conducting skills were honed under the tutelage of Rosario Bourdon and Wilfrid Pelletier, two of Canada's most respected conductors.

Deslauriers' professional career began in the 1930s. He joined the CBC in 1935, where he would spend a substantial part of his career. As a conductor for CBC Radio and later CBC Television, he directed a vast array of programs, including classical concerts, operettas, and original dramatic scores. He became one of the principal conductors for the CBC Montreal Orchestra, leading numerous broadcasts that introduced classical music to a wide Canadian audience.

Beyond his work with the CBC, Deslauriers held several other important positions. From 1957 to 1964, he served as the music director for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, composing original works and conducting performances for the renowned ballet company. He also conducted for the Opéra national du Québec and made guest appearances with major orchestras across Canada, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Compositions

As a composer, Jean Deslauriers was prolific, especially in the realm of incidental music for radio, television, and film. His compositions often served the needs of broadcasting, reflecting his deep understanding of orchestral scoring and dramatic pacing. He wrote:

• Ballets: Including Les Forgerons (The Blacksmiths).
• Operettas: Such as Le Prince et le Pauvre (The Prince and the Pauper).
• Orchestral Works: A wide range of pieces, many of which were performed on CBC broadcasts.
• Incidental Music: Numerous scores for plays and documentaries produced by the CBC.

His compositional style was characterized by its accessible melodies and solid orchestration, often incorporating elements that resonated with Canadian cultural themes.

Teaching

Deslauriers was also dedicated to music education. He taught conducting and orchestration at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal from 1957 to 1969, where he influenced a generation of Canadian musicians and conductors.

Legacy

Jean Deslauriers is remembered as a cornerstone of Canadian music in the mid-20th century. His tireless work as a conductor, particularly with the CBC, was instrumental in bringing classical music to Canadian households and fostering the careers of many Canadian artists. His compositions, while often functional, contributed significantly to the soundscape of Canadian broadcasting and the country's burgeoning classical music scene. His legacy is one of dedication to his art and profound service to Canadian culture.