Jullien

Virtually everyone who has essayed to define the colonel's catalog (100, 147, 149, 177, 273, 281, 286, 299) agrees that this refers to Louis Antoine Jullien (1812-60), an eccentric and flamboyant conductor whose parents loaded him down with 41 names. Born in France, he emigrated to England to escape his creditors. There he organized an orchestra and produced many promenade concerts, a concept that he originated. Berlioz (38) refers to Jullien's "incontestable and uncontested character of madness." His portly form and gorgeous waistcoats were often the butt of Punch cartoons. We also learn that "he would conduct Beethoven symphonies with a jewelled baton, and wearing a new pair of white gloves presented to him on a silver salver" (93). He finally returned to France but was thrown into debtors' prison, where he soon died, insane. In his 1890 book Songs of a Savoyard (130), Gilbert substituted this line: "The grace of Mozart, that unparalleled musico." Stedman (274) doesn't like the change. She says Jullien's flashy, shallow character more closely reflects that of the dragoons. Nevertheless, it would make sense to use his revised lines in modern performances because Mozart's name is known to everyone, while old Whatsisname's is not. But, while you are at it, make it read "The grace of a Mozart, unparalleled musico" so it will scan.