A global campaign has been launched to raise 40,000 Euros to help preserve the funeral tomb of Adolphe Sax, the Belgian inventor of the saxophone and the pioneering entrepreneurial force behind the development of the saxhorn family of instruments that were to form the basis of the valved instruments of the modern brass band.
Poverty
Although derivatives of his instruments were used across the world, he was driven into bankruptcy three times and died in poverty in Paris in 1894.
He was buried in a family tomb in section 5 (Avenue de Montebello) at the famous Cimetiere de Montmartre in Paris — the final resting place of many famous artists — including Berlioz, Boellmann and Delibes to Nijinsky and Emile Zola.
However, his has not been one of the more popular tombs visited by sightseers and has fallen into decay with an unstable base, cracked masonry, water infiltration and subsidence
Although derivatives of his instruments were used across the world, he was driven into bankruptcy three times and died in poverty in Paris in 18944BR
Fund raising
The fund-raising initiative has been started by the International Adolphe Sax Association based in his hometown of Dinant in Belgium who organise the annual Adolphe Sax Competition. It is envisaged that the money will be enough to make the necessary repairs with the City of Paris authorities.
Supporters can pledge anything from 10 Euros upwards to help with the fund raising with the organisers stating; "If you have been moved by a solo by Coltrane, Parker or Desmond... if you believe that genius deserves respect... then this grave belongs to you too!
Adolphe Sax lived a life of struggles: he survived accidents, jealousy, lawsuits, bankruptcies, and attacks. He died poor in Paris in 1894. Let us not let his final resting place fall into oblivion."
