Les 24 violons du Roy (EMS 7.2.21)

[Nick Armstrong]

Wonderful programme about this institution

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[ardcarp]

Agreed! I liked Hannah's closing remarks, "What we know of them impresses. What we don't intrigues". I may have missed it, but I don't think Hannah mentioned the vital link of Pelham Humfrey, who as a child of the Chapel Royal was sent off to France and Italy to study continental styles for the Restpred Monarchy. It is always thought that Purcell (whose Chaconny in G minor was played, but with at least vingt violins missing!) learned his characteristic string-writing from him. Interesting also to hear of Matthew Locke and the lesser-known John Banister writing in five parts.

A quote from Pepys:

Little Pelham Humphreys is an absolute monsieur as full of form and confidence and vanity, and disparages everybody's skill but his own. The truth is, every body says he is very able, but to hear how he laughs at all the King's musick here, as Blagrave and others, that they cannot keep time nor tune, nor understand anything; and that Grebus, the Frenchman, the King's master of the musick, how he understands nothing, nor can play on any instrument, and so cannot compose: and that he will give him a lift out of his place; and that he and the King are mighty great! and that he hath already spoke to the King of Grebus would make a man piss.[

We heard some Grabus at the end. Still continent.

PS Is there anything wrong with the EMS website? It doesn't appear to mention today's programme.

[ardcarp]

A note about Lully's untimely death:

"Lully died from gangrene, having struck his foot with his long conducting staff during a performance of his Te Deum [part of which we heard on today's EMS] to celebrate Louis XIV's recovery from surgery. He refused to have his leg amputated so he could still dance. This resulted in gangrene propagating through his body and ultimately infecting the greater part of his brain, causing his death. He died in Paris and was buried in the church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, where his tomb with its marble bust can still be seen."

[MickyD]

I would urge you to see the marvellous French film 'Le Roi Danse', which marvellously conjures up the atmosphere of Lully's music and orchestra, it's a feast for the ears and eyes, but sadly I don't think there's a DVD with English subtitles.

[ardcarp]

Thanks for the recommendation MickyD. I'll look for it. I can probably squeak by without the sub-titles.

[MickyD]

There seem to be various versions of it for sale - there's a second hand copy going for about 12 quid with the river people. It's a fabulous film - the story concentrates a lot on Lully as well as Louis XIV. He comes across as a pretty unpleasant character!

[Bryn]

There seem to be various versions of it for sale - there's a second hand copy going for about 12 quid with the river people. It's a fabulous film - the story concentrates a lot on Lully as well as Louis XIV. He comes across as a pretty unpleasant character!

Sorry. Soundtrack only.

[MickyD]

Yes, the soundtrack is brilliant - Musica Antiqua and Reinhard Goebel at their very best!

[ardcarp]

Mrs A's found one for £8 on eBay.

[MickyD]

Mrs A's found one for £8 on eBay.

Great, I'm sure you will wallow in it!