Who Is Saint-Saëns During The Franco-Prussian War?
The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough analysis of Marche Héroïque (1870) and present this work as a means of musical resolution towards France’s loss against Prussia in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71). In so, I will provide detail of its reception, analysis, and various renditions, which other sources otherwise omit. More importantly, discuss Saint-Saëns’s efforts during the Franco-Prussian War, and explore Saint-Saëns’s beginnings as a patriotic figure. Ultimately, I want to discuss the typical characteristics and actions that codify an individual as “patriotic” and extend the definition to incorporate non-traditional actions. In the case of Saint-Saëns these actions were more than active service, but delineated through: musical
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In comparing Cesar Franck and Saint-Saëns, I stumbled across Saint-Saëns’s involvement in the line of duty during the Franco-Prussian War. As I read on, I was amazed at the large musical output Saint-Saëns had during this period (1870-71). At such a moment of uncertainty, I found it fascinating that the compositional pen had not dried out for the composer in lieu more pressing circumstances. More fascinating still was amidst the chaos Saint-Saëns only wrote one out right programmatic piece regarding the war (with the exception of the militaristic Orient et Occident, 1869). Other pieces of this time or immediately after, Le Rouet d’Omphale (1871), and Phaéton (1873), dealt with Greek mythos and Saint-Saëns’s use of the symphonic poem; attributed to Franz …show more content…
For example, the long-term repercussions and consequences related to the events of 1870-1871. Other works associated with WWI or events not directly related to or as a result of the Franco-Prussian War will not overtly be covered in detail, but if at all in passing mention.
METHODOLOGY
This study consists of primary and secondary materials. His letters, writings, and newspaper articles account for the large use of primary material. Saint-Saëns’s account of war, for example, comes through an un-translated interview many years after. Methodically, and carefully, I have translated this interview with the utmost care to maintain the meaning, integrity, and intent of the original French. The aid of secondary materials derives from biographical, historical monographs, and scholastic articles in relation to Saint-Saëns, France, and the musical backdrop of the
In comparing Cesar Franck and Saint-Saëns, I stumbled across Saint-Saëns’s involvement in the line of duty during the Franco-Prussian War. As I read on, I was amazed at the large musical output Saint-Saëns had during this period (1870-71). At such a moment of uncertainty, I found it fascinating that the compositional pen had not dried out for the composer in lieu more pressing circumstances. More fascinating still was amidst the chaos Saint-Saëns only wrote one out right programmatic piece regarding the war (with the exception of the militaristic Orient et Occident, 1869). Other pieces of this time or immediately after, Le Rouet d’Omphale (1871), and Phaéton (1873), dealt with Greek mythos and Saint-Saëns’s use of the symphonic poem; attributed to Franz …show more content…
For example, the long-term repercussions and consequences related to the events of 1870-1871. Other works associated with WWI or events not directly related to or as a result of the Franco-Prussian War will not overtly be covered in detail, but if at all in passing mention.
METHODOLOGY
This study consists of primary and secondary materials. His letters, writings, and newspaper articles account for the large use of primary material. Saint-Saëns’s account of war, for example, comes through an un-translated interview many years after. Methodically, and carefully, I have translated this interview with the utmost care to maintain the meaning, integrity, and intent of the original French. The aid of secondary materials derives from biographical, historical monographs, and scholastic articles in relation to Saint-Saëns, France, and the musical backdrop of the