Hespèrion XXI
Conductor Jordi Savall
This piece is a pavane, which was a common processional dance of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, often opening events such as ceremonial balls. The pavane originated in Italy in 1508, but had reached England, France, Spain, and other European kingdoms by around 1530. This style of dance had almost completely fallen out of favor by the Baroque era, and had made way for a new dance, the Allemande (different from the kind composed by Mozart and Beethoven, which came centuries later). The title references "petite guerre," or, "petty warfare," which is essentially sabotage of enemy encampments and/or supporting forces by smaller armies to disrupt larger operations. This was likely a reference to combat during the Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648).
While the composer themself is anonymous, this piece was taken from the Philidor Manuscripts, compiled by André Philidor (Philidor l'ainé, 1652 - 1730) in the latter half of the seventeenth century. The earliest known manuscript was published in 1681, with subsequent copies and editions being distributed to music libraries around France. These manuscripts served as a record of much of the music performed at Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV (although some pieces date from earlier, during the reign of Henri IV), and later as a reference book for the music to be played by royal musicians in both Versailles and Paris. They contained compositions by many famous melodists of the century, most notably Lully, but also works by Saint-Amant and Couperin. The music inside ranged from contemporary operas and ballets to dances and marches, creating one of, if not the most comprehensive compendiums of French Baroque music.
Born André Philidor, Philidor l'ainé was one of the premier composers and compilers of Baroque-era France, being made Keeper of the King's Music Library around the time his first manuscripts were published. Most likely the nephew of court musician Michel Danican (d. 1659), who was first given the nickname "Philidor" by Louis XIII after a famous Italian woodwind player (Filidori of Siena), André Philidor already had an established musical career as a composer, songwriter, and performer by the time he was a record keeper. His father Jean also played in the Grande Écurie, as well as both of his brothers.
Also of note is that André's son François-André Philidor is much more well-known, but not just for his compositions. Many chess players know the Philidor defense (and the Philidor position, an endgame move), which was proposed by him as an alternative to another existing opening. It was played in the famous "Opera Game" in 1858, between Paul Morphy and Duke Karl of Brunswick/Count Isouard, but quickly disappeared in top-level play. There is not much on the Philidor family beyond François-André, but one can assume they continued to compose, or were otherwise somewhat involved with the French crown.
Painting: The Victory of Fleurus, Vincenzio Carduccio. Spain, 1634
6 сен 2024
