Desire Dihau

Desire Hippolyte Dihau was born on 2 August 1833 in Lille (France). He studied music at the Conservatory of his hometown and then at the Conservatoire de Paris where he obtained a second prize in basson in 1856 and a first prize a year later. 
After his studies he became bassoonist in orchestras of different venues in Paris: At the Theatre-Lyrique, the Theatre des Bouffes-Parisiens, the Eldorado, the Pasdeloup Orchestra and at the Theatre du Châtelet for the Concerts Colonne. In 1862 he finally obtained the position of principal bassoonist of the Opera Paris and remained there until his retirement in 1889. Today Desire Dihau is best known as the opera bassoonist because he was painted several times by Edgar Degas and his cousin Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, making him an immortal part of art history.
Beside his work in the orchestra Desire Dihau also composed music. He mainly wrote chansons that were played at the different cabarets and revues in Paris. 
Desire Dihau died on 20 August 1909 in Paris (France).

Un Mariage a la Guitare

In my possession is the autograph piano reduction of the operetta bouffa "Un Mariage a la Guitare" by Desire Dihau. The work was composed in 1896 on a libretto is by Eugene Lemercier. An early performance was at the salon Paul Daumont in Paris, at that time still under the title "La Guitare". In addition to the piano score I also own orchestral parts, these were done by the composer-copyist E. Jacquinot.

L'eternel roman

I also own the printed piano reduction and libretto of the operetta "L'eternel roman" by Desire Dihau. The was composed in 1895 on a libretto by Eugene Lemercier and premiered at the Concert-Parisien on 27 April 1895. In addition I own the handwritten orchestral parts, very likely done by the copyist Georges Garnier.