Dazia Dean Music 322 Portfolio - French

 Exploring Caribbean Music - French

October 10, 2024

Curated Playlist: Exploring the Music of Ludovic Lamothe

Central Artist - Ludovic Lamothe

Description- This blog explores the artistic and musical aspects of Haiti, with a particular focus on pianist and composer Ludovic Lamothe (1882-1953). The playlist features Haitian art music, composed with classical techniques and rhythmic flare from Haitian folk songs. Lamothe, raised in Port-au-Prince, studied piano and music at the Paris Conservatory before returning to Haiti. His compositions were influenced by Chopin, a favorite of his, and incorporated local traditions like carnival songs, meringue, and Haitian Vodou music. His Carnival Meringue song, "Nibo", is now considered a "Liberation Anthem" for the withdrawal of Americans from Haiti. The piano composition La Dangereuse showcases Lamothe's pianistic skill, with a gentle, flowing feel. Ludovic Lamothe’s legacy helped with elevating Haitian music to the concert stage. The playlist highlights the love for Haiti and the resistance against the American occupation. 

The first song in this playlist will be "Sobo" by Ludovic Lamothe it is a unique blend of Haitian folk traditions and European classical forms, featuring rhythmic intensity and melodic structures from Haitian Vodou music. Named after the Vodou spirit "Sobo," the piece reflects Lamothe's interest in incorporating spiritual and cultural narratives.The composition features a rhythmic drive, intricate harmonies, fluid transitions, and emotional depth. It mirrors ceremonial drumming and showcases Lamothe's talent in making it a nationalistic homage to Haiti and a piece of art in the Western classical canon.

The second song that will be reviewed in this playlist is “Carte Blanche” which was originally written by Jeanty for piano. This arrangement was adapted by Julio Racine for violin and piano. Occide Jeanty, a Haitian musician, was a composer, trumpeter, pianist, and music director. Born in 1860, he was appointed to the National Palace's Military Music Corps in 1885. Jeanty retired from the military in 1915 and later became the National Guard conductor until his death in 1936. He infused Dessalines' spirit into his compositions, often containing culturally coded information against US occupation forces. Jeanty also used folk music to keep the meringue alive. Jeanty and Ludovic Lamothe combined Haitian folk elements with European classical forms, using traditional Haitian rhythms and melodies. Their compositions, like "Carte Blanche" and "Sobo," effectively convey Haiti's spirit and history through classical techniques, resulting in powerful and evocative performances. 

Julio Racine, a Haitian musician, is a transgenerational figure who has dedicated his life to promoting the music and culture of Haiti. His compositions are influenced by folk music, with a focus on rhythmic aspects of local Haitian music. Racine believes Haitian music is fundamentally characterized by its emphasis on rhythm, with most instruments being monophonic. The song Sonate Vodou Jazz, a classical piece influenced by Vodou music and jazz, is chosen for this playlist. Written for flute and piano but transcribed for violin and piano, it is highly technical and has a variety of contrasts. The violin's use in the first movement of the composition adds eloquence and playfulness to the song. Ludovic Lamothe and Racine are renowned for their unique blend of European classical tradition and Haitian folk music. They skillfully incorporate Vodou rhythms and Haitian spirit into classical forms, bringing the cultural richness of Haiti to the concert stage. Racine's "Sonate Vodou Jazz" is a modern extension of Lamothe's innovative blending of traditions. 

Werner Jaegerhuber, born in Haiti in 1900, studied at a prestigious German conservatory before returning to Haiti in 1937 to escape World War II. He shared the same ideology with Ludovic Lamonthe, who recognized the rejection of Haitian Vodou culture and local traditions. Jaegerhuber aimed to integrate Haitian culture and folk music into his own music, believing that blending classical music with folklore rhythms would allow the music to gain recognition and approval. His chosen song, Erzulie Malade, is a ritualistic and mystical piece, combining flute, piano, and euphonium. The song is hypnotic and sets the mood for someone to seek help with deep-rooted pain. The melodic pattern has a hauntingly mournful mood, contrasting hope with darkness. This piece, like those of Lamonthe, demonstrates the fusion of classical music with Haitian folklore, creating a new art form that liberates Haitian musicians. 

Franz Casséus (1915–1993) is widely regarded as the "Father of Haitian Classical Guitar" and is acknowledged as the leading force in the creation of classical guitar music in Haiti.According to legend,the drums are used in these ceremonies at night to call ghosts. The composition is divided into three sections, each of which is linked by a recurring rhythmic pattern that mimics the sound of drums. The guitar is a difficult instrument since it requires a lot of talent to play harmony, melody, and an ostinato, or repetitive rhythm, all at once. Like Ludovic Lamothe, Casséus combines Haitian cultural practices with classical music. Both composers incorporate emotional depth and cultural narrative into their pieces by drawing from the rich tapestry of Haitian cultural elements. Although the piano is frequently the main instrument in Lamothe's works, Casséus uses the guitar to generate a similar sense of spirituality and connection to Haitian culture. "Dance of the Hounsies" is a wonderful continuation of Lamothe's legacy since it shows a common dedication to appreciating and maintaining Haiti's musical tradition within classical frameworks. 

The playlist then moves on to Carmen Brouard. She was a Canadian-Haitian pianist, composer, and music instructor. Brouard is another composer that uses Haitian Vodou culture in her works, similar to Ludovic. This genre uses instrumental sounds to evoke feelings and visuals, as well as to stimulate creative thought. Baron Lacroix is a divinity in Vodou. This was inspired by a performance that is believed to be a Vodou ritual including historical and cultural figures who have conflicting political and religious views. Piano virtuosity is needed for this tune. It seems to have the sound of a single piano accompanied by an orchestra. This arrangement captures the turmoil and injustice that Haiti has gone through.

Renowned composer Justin Elie and Ludovic Lamothe got together and started touring important towns to perform. When they brought the méringue back together, it became a "national symbol" and a way to protest the US presence. Elie draws inspiration from Vodou's work in some of his pieces, such as Cléopâtre. In order to spread awareness of Haitian culture, Elie's wife Lily also performed with them in recitals of his pieces. Legende Creole, one of his early compositions, was written for piano and violin. The violin's high register describes a group of individuals being ripped from their natural surroundings and feeling lost in another, and the piece is theatrical and slightly emotional. A conversational mood is created by the instruments' call and response exchange.

References

Historia de la Música. (2019, March 20). Ludovic Lamothe - Sobo [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2maUYIVW9A 

Karine Margron. (2023, June 7). Carte Blanche - Occide Jeanty - J. Racine - Violin/Piano [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwJ06_cCPw 

Cariclassical. (2012, December 14). Erzulie Malade [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qyUAaIjD0 

Saulius Jegelevičius. (2021, July 5). Frantz Casseus - Dance of the Hounsies - Saulius Jegelevičius [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=037ng9sSxt4 

Ric’key Pageot. (2021, February 11). “Baron Lacroix” for piano and orchestra - Composed by  Carmen Brouard [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W8B3HmDBjE 

 

jrpviolin1. (2011a, April 20). Legende Creole (also known as Haytian Legend) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP3JS3D_vE8 

 

 

 

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