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Rediscovering 19th-Century Composers: Dédé and Barès Revival

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers are rediscovering 19th-century New Orleans composers, Edmond Dédé and Basile Barès.
Edmond Dédé, born free, wrote orchestral music and Morgiane.
Basile Barès, born into slavery, is the only enslaved American composer with a copyright.
A documentary, What We Can Know About Edmond and Basile, premieres at New Orleans Film Festival on October 24; Oscar Rossignoli and OperaCréole revive works.

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Story summary

Researchers are rediscovering 19th-century New Orleans composers, Edmond Dédé and Basile Barès.
Edmond Dédé, born free, wrote orchestral music and Morgiane.
Basile Barès, born into slavery, is the only enslaved American composer with a copyright.
A documentary, What We Can Know About Edmond and Basile, premieres at New Orleans Film Festival on October 24; Oscar Rossignoli and OperaCréole revive works.