Musical contribution - July 2014

Berceuse (Benjamin Louis Paul Godard, 18-8-1849 // 10-1-1895)

Benjamin Godard was born in Paris on a fantastic date: namely, 18th August. He was already admitted to the Conservatoire de Paris at the tender age of 14, where he studied violin and harmony. Later he actually became a teacher at this same music academy. Influenced by Mendelssohn and Schumann, he composed a substantial body of work, including 8 different operas. The Berceuse (lullaby) comes from one of these operas – “Jocelyn”.

This aria is perhaps one of his most famous works. Originally written as a tenor solo, this section includes many different kinds of arrangements. The well-known Dutch organist Piet van Egmond already recorded it on a LP record many years ago. This month Johannus would like to use it as the Musical Contribution for the month of July.

The andantino is intended as a recitative, whilst the song (andante) is of unsurpassed beauty and is recorded in a free 4/4 bar. Whichever solo stop you opt for, rich vocals are the most important condition. It’s a shame the best man (according to him) didn’t like the organ.

With Kind Regards,
André