Klarinet Archive - Posting 000268.txt from 2003/05

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: [kl] La Cheminee du Roi Rene
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 21:15:48 -0400

A bit belatedly, I offer a small correction to Dan, plus the meaning of the
movement names.

While "La Cheminee du Roi Rene" literally means "The Hearth of King Rene,"
the actual meaning is different. The following comes from the jacket of what
may be the first recording of the piece, on a 10" London/Editions de
l'Oiseau-Lyre LP from the early 1950s, DL 53002, played by the French
Woodwind Quintet, including Jean-Pierre Rampal, before he became famous, and
Pierre Pierlot, Jacques Lancelot. Paul Hongne and Gilbert Coursier:

King Rene of Provence (1409-1480) had a favourite corner in his capital city
of Aix where he used to go during the winter to sit in the sunshine. This
spot is still called "King Rene's fireplace." Setting out from this idea of
the king's daily round, the composer evokes seven little scenes associated
with the royal amusements and occupations or with places near Aix-en-Provence.

1. Cortege. The Royal Progress.
2. Aubade. A serenade.
3. Jongleurs. The jesters amuse the king.
4. La Maousinglade is the name of the village near Aix where Darius Milhaud
has a house.
5. Joutes sur l'Arc. Jousting on the Arc, a little river near Aix.
6. Chasse a Valabre. The chateau of Valabre was King Rene's favourite
hunting ground.
7. Madrigal-Nocturne. The day ends in calm and peace.

I've never seen this information elsewhere, and it should be useful for
program notes.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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