Marcel Mule

During the First World War, Mule served with the Fifth Infantry and made his return to music, playing in the regiment’s military band. In 1923, after concluding his military service, he completed an exam to become a member of the Garde Republicaine’s band, La Musique de la Garde Républicaine. Due to his beautiful sound, he was promoted to saxophone soloist, was asked to play in concerts and played in the orchestra of the Opera-Comique. He frequently played with modern dance bands and developed his signature classical saxophone vibrato during this time.

In 1927, Mule formed the Quatuor de las Garde Republicaine, a saxophone quartet consisting of members of the Garde. In 1936, Mule left the Garde and dedicated himself to performing and composing, renaming the quartet to Quatuor Marcel Mule. The ensemble performed throughout Europe and North Africa, allowing Mule to showcase the saxophone’s potential.

In 1944, the director of the Paris Conservatoire, Claude Delvincourt, allowed for the re-establishment of the saxophone class. Mule was hired to teach and taught to over three hundred students. In 1958, Mule embarked on a twelve concert tour of the United States with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1967, Mule and his saxophone retired.