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THE INFLUENCE OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 91
march based on the patriotic song, "The Glorious Sixth of May."
Our regiments of foot guards, not to be outdone by the Germans and Austrians who formed part of the allied army, and were well provided with bands, gave instructions for their bands, left behind in London, to proceed to France to join their regiments which were to form part of the army of occupation. So the bands of the First Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Fusilier Guards were stationed in Paris for the period of about six months. During a grand review which took place before the Grand Duke Constantine of Russia, the Marquis of Wellington, and other distinguished officers of the allies, the band of the Grenadier Guards attracted considerable attention, and the Grand Duke was very much impressed by a member of the band who played the key-bugle. This instrument was a great novelty at the time, and the performers were usually placed for "show" on the wings of the front rank.9 The Grand Duke was curious to learn something about the new instrument, and the band was ordered to cease playing, the performer, who was the famous John Distin, being commanded to appear before His Highness. The Duke carried on an animated conversation upon the merits of the key-bugle, and Distin was asked to obtain an instrument for him to take back to Russia. Halary (not Halevy, as Distin's son, |
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' Hence no doubt the origin of the German name for a similar instrument the Fliigel horn. |
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