Ma Chere Maman - Mon Cher Enfant
The Letters of Lucien and Louise Durosoir, 1914-1919
Lucien Durosoir
Ma Chere Maman - Mon Cher Enfant
The Letters of Lucien and Louise Durosoir, 1914-1919
Lucien Durosoir
Paperback
|
English
€26.50
- From €15,- no shipping costs.
- 30 days to change your mind and return physical products
Description
In August 1914, concert violinist Lucien Durosoir was on holiday with his mother Louise in Brittany, when the world changed. Swapping his instrument for a rifle, he was at the front a week later. This is the first ever English translation of the letters of Lucien and Louise Durosoir, providing a unique first-hand perspective on World War I.
Praise for Ma Chere Maman – Mon Cher Enfant: "Lucien Durosoir is not nearly as well- known as a composer in the English-speaking world as he should be. In the lyricism and sheer beauty of his music, he can remind the listener of Edward Elgar. But unlike Elgar, Durosoir was young enough to serve in the trenches of the Great War. Like millions of his comrades, he was also a prolific letter writer. The letters between him and his mother, Louise, are elegantly translated and wonderfully presented here. They present a rich tapestry of the grim circumstances in and out of the trenches of the Great War. They also present strategies of survival, physical and emotional, but also romantic. Elizabeth Schoonmaker Auld has done us a great service by making these letters available. They can only increase our admiration for this great composer and exemplary survivor of this horrible conflict."--Leonard V. Smith, Professor of History, Oberlin College; "These letters provide important first-person perspective on both a typical and atypical experience of a solider at the front and a musician fulfilling national duty. We see the evolving relationship between a mother and a son, initial optimism, moments of deep grief for lost friends, and more, all in a highly readable translation."--Joseph T. Acquisto, Professor of French, University of Vermont;"A professional violinist in his mid-thirties is called to fight in the 'Great War'. Suddenly wrenched from a career and a widowed mother, many musicians would not have had the strength of character to withstand the long years of deprivation and trauma. Lucien Durosoir's extended correspondence with his mother reveals his exceptional courage and leadership as a soldier, as well as his ingenuity in finding ways to make music amidst the deprivations of war. Via his vivid descriptive writing, and Elizabeth Auld's superb translation, we experience the immediacy of war through the eyes (and ears) of a mature and artistic spirit."--Linda Laurent, Professor Emerita of Music, Central Connecticut State University
Lucien Durosoir (1878-1955) was a French composer and violinist whose works were rediscovered thanks to manuscripts found by his son Luc. In the midst of his career as a solo violinist, he was called up to the front, and sent detailed letters to his mother, Louise. After demobilization in 1919, he began composing at his home in southwest France, away from the trends of Paris. His music consequently is unique for its time, and is increasing in popularity among performers and scholars. Elizabeth Auld has a degree in French from Oberlin College. A lifelong musician, she is a friend of the Durosoir family. She lives in France.
Praise for Ma Chere Maman – Mon Cher Enfant: "Lucien Durosoir is not nearly as well- known as a composer in the English-speaking world as he should be. In the lyricism and sheer beauty of his music, he can remind the listener of Edward Elgar. But unlike Elgar, Durosoir was young enough to serve in the trenches of the Great War. Like millions of his comrades, he was also a prolific letter writer. The letters between him and his mother, Louise, are elegantly translated and wonderfully presented here. They present a rich tapestry of the grim circumstances in and out of the trenches of the Great War. They also present strategies of survival, physical and emotional, but also romantic. Elizabeth Schoonmaker Auld has done us a great service by making these letters available. They can only increase our admiration for this great composer and exemplary survivor of this horrible conflict."--Leonard V. Smith, Professor of History, Oberlin College; "These letters provide important first-person perspective on both a typical and atypical experience of a solider at the front and a musician fulfilling national duty. We see the evolving relationship between a mother and a son, initial optimism, moments of deep grief for lost friends, and more, all in a highly readable translation."--Joseph T. Acquisto, Professor of French, University of Vermont;"A professional violinist in his mid-thirties is called to fight in the 'Great War'. Suddenly wrenched from a career and a widowed mother, many musicians would not have had the strength of character to withstand the long years of deprivation and trauma. Lucien Durosoir's extended correspondence with his mother reveals his exceptional courage and leadership as a soldier, as well as his ingenuity in finding ways to make music amidst the deprivations of war. Via his vivid descriptive writing, and Elizabeth Auld's superb translation, we experience the immediacy of war through the eyes (and ears) of a mature and artistic spirit."--Linda Laurent, Professor Emerita of Music, Central Connecticut State University
Lucien Durosoir (1878-1955) was a French composer and violinist whose works were rediscovered thanks to manuscripts found by his son Luc. In the midst of his career as a solo violinist, he was called up to the front, and sent detailed letters to his mother, Louise. After demobilization in 1919, he began composing at his home in southwest France, away from the trends of Paris. His music consequently is unique for its time, and is increasing in popularity among performers and scholars. Elizabeth Auld has a degree in French from Oberlin College. A lifelong musician, she is a friend of the Durosoir family. She lives in France.