Calixa Lavallée
A wandering musician whose single, stirring composition became the proud national anthem of Canada.
1842–1891 (age 49)·Canadian composer·Birthday: December 28
Biography
Calixa Lavallée's life was a patchwork of continental ambition and musical hustle. Born in Verchères, Canada East, he was a piano prodigy who took his talents on the road, performing across the United States and even serving as a bandmaster for the Union Army during the American Civil War. His career was a series of ventures—performer, composer, teacher, opera company director—marked by both artistic success and financial struggle. In 1880, he was commissioned to set a patriotic poem by Judge Adolphe-Basile Routhier to music for a national ceremony in Quebec City. The result was 'Ô Canada,' a melody that blended martial grandeur with lyrical grace. Lavallée died in Boston, largely unaware that his commissioned work would one day unite a nation, officially becoming Canada's anthem a century later.
#1 When Calixa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1842
Calixa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1842Born
1847Started school
1855Became a teenager
1858Could drive
1860Could vote
1863Turned 21
President: Abraham Lincoln
1872Turned 30
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1882Turned 40
First electrical power plant opens in New York
President: Chester A. Arthur
1891Died at 49
President: Benjamin Harrison
Key Achievements
- Composed the music for 'O Canada,' adopted as the country's national anthem in 1980.
- Served as a bandmaster for the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers during the American Civil War.
- Was a founding member and first president of the Music Teachers' National Association in the U.S.
- Wrote several operas and other musical works, though most are now rarely performed.
Did You Know?
He was once the piano accompanist for famous Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate on a North American tour.
Lavallée promoted Canadian music and musicians at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
He lived and worked for significant periods in the United States, particularly in New England.
The original 1880 version of 'O Canada' was written for a French-language Catholic ceremony, not an English-Canadian event.
“I have composed a national anthem for my people, 'O Canada'.”
