Les Fastes de la grande et anciénne Mxnxstrxndsx
(Ordre XI)
In this parody of the great and ancient guild of Parisian instrumentalists, founded in 1321 and authorized by Louis XIV in 1659 to act as an exclusive trade union (Confrérie de St. Julien-des-Ménétriers), Couperin thinly disguises the identity of a powerful body which had twice (in 1693 and 1707) tried to prevent him and other musicians from teaching their instrument unless they joined. Couperin appealed to Parliament and successes on both occasions, celebrating his victory in masterly satire against the 'closed shop'.
Premier Acte: Les Notables et Jurés - Mxnxstrxndsx
The worthies of the Guild enter to the sounds of a pompous march.
@1:21 Seconde Acte: Les Viéleux et les Gueux
Beggars and hurdy-gurdy players show their musical paces in anless extemporizations.
@2:44 Troisième Acte: Les Jongleurs, Sauteurs et Saltinbanques, avec les Ours et les Singes
Juggles, tumblers, clowns, bears and monkeys bound in- are they too members of the Guild?
@3:42 Quatrième Acte: Les Invalides, ou gens Estropiés au Service de la grande Mxnxstrxndsx
The inform, disabled in the service of the Guild, are portrayed in music of slow and jerky gait. Couperin specifies the left hand for the wooden-legged, the right for the lame,
@6:35 Cinquième Acte: Désordre et déroute de toute la troupe, causés par les Yvrognes, les Singes, et les Ours
The drunkards, the monkeys and the bears bring about total disorder. Walking sticks (specified in the score) tap away as the motley assembly hobbles off to safety in a musically brilliant rout.
22 фев 2014
