In the Eye of a Storm

by Mary Mageau

  As the Marquis de Marais was in demand for his skills in diplomacy and languages, he occasionally spent periods of time away from Laneve and their chateau. It brought him much pleasure to note that her interest in music sustained her while he was travelling outside of France. He also encouraged her to invite her friends to keep her company, thus her relationship with Marie Duval had grown even closer.

  After bidding a tearful farewell to Rene on one of his voyages, her heart was soaring as she made plans for a visit from Marie. She would be arriving later that morning.

  ‘Please set our luncheon table with three places today,’ Laneve told Malande, who was now her official housekeeper.

  ‘Set one place at the head for me, another on my right for Marie and the third on my left for a surprise guest. I wonder who this could be? Marie only told me that I will be delighted. You know how she always enjoys planning a surprise.’

  ‘Oui, Laneve. We have already chosen the main part of the menu but what shall cook present as a light dessert?’

  ‘Instruct her to prepare three little bowls of Montmorency cherries – the small pinkish ones that are slightly tart. I believe she has some already soaking in brandy. Serve these with a jug of fresh cream. My guests will enjoy them so much.’

  Moments later Marie alighted from her coach, accompanied by a short and slightly built man. After embracing Laneve and kissing her on both cheeks she turned to the surprise guest. ‘Laneve, may I present the current toast of Paris, Giovanni Battista Viotti.’

  Laneve was overcome. Here he stood before her, the Italian whose name was on everyone’s lips. Viotti had come to Paris after a successful concert tour of Germany, Poland and Switzerland. No one in France even knew his name - until he presented his debut performance at the Paris Concert Spirituel. When he first placed his violin under his chin and drew his bow across the strings, such beauty poured forth from the soul of this modestly quiet man alone on the stage that Paris was stunned. His playing was now on everyone’s lips.

  ‘Viotti played here last evening and they wouldn’t let him leave the stage.’

  ‘Did you hear that Queen Marie Antoinette was so impressed with him that she has made him the Court Composer at Versailles. He now gives music lessons to the royal children.’

  ‘Do you know that Viotti is being offered a fortune to play at the most exclusive salons. When he leaves Paris he will carry bags of gold away with him.’

  After their lunch Marie asked Laneve to perform with their guest. ‘He has brought several of his own sonatas and would like you to play with him. Don’t say no, as I’ll be so pleased just to listen to you both.’ Laneve placed his music on her new fortepiano and began to improvise while Viotti brought out his violin and tuned it. Then they both began to play.

  Beautiful sounds filled the music room, its resonance lingering in the silences. From this very first moment it was as though Laneve and Viotti could hear the music through a single pair of ears, could express the music through one totally sympathetic voice and play together with a single heart.

  Hours passed like minutes until Viotti exclaimed, ‘Enough now. Laneve, Marquise de Marais, would you consider the possibility of joining me on the concert stage? You would be doing me a great honour as you are one of the finest pianists in France.’

  ‘Yes, it would be my pleasure to work with you,’ she answered. And so the two musicians began a partnership that would bring fame to both and would link their names together as foremost artists in France’s musical history. Viotti and the Marquise de Marais first became associated in French musical circles through a succession of brilliant concerts.

  During the coming years they performed in chateaus, in private salons and for Marie Antoinette’s exclusive recitals at le Petit Trianon. They organized and presented one of the first publicly sold subscription concert series at the Theatre de Monsieur. Viotti began to acknowledge her privately and in public as, ‘the lily of France.’

  Their artistic partnership led them into the highest levels of excellence and success. But as it is with many talented people, they also had their detractors. There were some who were critical, openly jealous and often dangerous as the future would reveal.

  IV.

  On an early spring day in 1789, Laneve was hosting another of her lunches. These gatherings regularly welcomed small groups of France’s creative and intelligent young women while their stimulating conversation always lifted Laneve’s spirits.

  Earlier in the morning, the three invited guests had walked through her lovely gardens admiring the first crocuses and the flowering almond and peach blossoms. A bouquet of their deep pink buds and mauve double lilacs decorated the dining room.

  Gathered around the table were an artistic group that included: Adelaide Labille-Guiard, a renowned portrait painter who had recently been accepted to the Academie Royale, Angelique Gretry, who had successfully composed her second opera and Marie Duval, now a concert pianist and young mother. While their conversation was lively at first, a sense of consternation soon filled the air.

  ‘Oh Laneve, you don’t know how fortunate you are to live in the countryside, away from Paris. The city is becoming a very dangerous place now. Why only the other day the king and queen were jeered openly in public as they attended a theatre performance,’ remarked Adelaide.

  ‘Yes, I too have a story to tell you,’ said Marie. ‘Last week my grandmere paid a visit to Madame de Leanour and on her way home a group of young hoodlums threw stones at the coach. One of them even tried to force the door open. Thankfully the post rider used his whip to drive them away. Grandmere is so frightened now that she won’t leave her home.’

  ‘Yes, there is much looting going on in Paris and terrible pamphlets are being printed and passed around everywhere. All of them are filled with hateful messages about certain members of the nobility, particularly the queen,’ Angelique added.

  Then Laneve spoke. ‘I hear that all of the very poor people are becoming difficult to control, especially since stories about the scandal of Marie Antoinette’s diamond necklace are circulating. But I also believe that many are hungry and don’t have enough money to pay for a decent house to live in. And it doesn’t help either when the nobility and clergy seem to enjoy all the privileges while the poor have so little.’

  ‘Did you hear that Dunod, the Count de Charnade, and a group of country nobles tried to persuade the king to do something about this situation? Of course, King Louis showed no interest in listening to their ideas and only wanted to talk about hunting,’ Adelaide retorted.

  ‘The count’s mother is a friend of my grandmere and you should hear her complain about the fact that he absolutely refuses to wear a powdered wig. She is unhappy because he pulls his dark hair back and ties it with a black ribbon. No, he’s not a pastel satin and lace coat devotee or a white silk stocking sort of man,’ laughed Marie. ‘I believe he often tells her, “Take off the lead, mother, and give me the whip.”

  ‘Oh I often see Dunod too and I always speak with him when he attends our concerts,’ Laneve replied. ‘He is not only a great music lover - he is a champion of the ordinary person. And I too admire him very much. But come now, let us enjoy our lunch and leave politics to the men.’

  Later that afternoon after her guests had departed Laneve sat quietly in the gathering dusk. She had spent time thinking aloud about the luncheon conversations.

  ‘Yes, I am so fortunate to live away from Paris here in the country. Now there is no doubt that France is experiencing a time of great restlessness. People are often in fear about the changing attitudes of the general populace and the shifting of loyalties. It is distressing too that the monarchy is so maligned, though they continue to do nothing to change this situation.

  Now even Viotti is suggesting that we should perform more frequently in the country estates. I know he is always busy with the opera and with his latest violin concertos, but I believe he is also deeply worried about our safety in Paris. Somehow I am unable to rid myself of this sens
e of impending disaster.’

  Time passed quickly for Laneve until several months later in mid-July when she and Rene were urgently summoned to their drawing room. The Count de Charnade stood before them. He had arrived alone, on horseback and looked exhausted. Laneve immediately requested a cold drink and some refreshments for him as they sat together near the large glass French doors. The count was the first to speak.

  ‘Laneve and Rene, please forgive this unannounced visit but I have news that does not bode well for us. I have just left a meeting that included the Chevalier de Maison-Rouge, the Marquis de Lafayette and a number of concerned royalists. My next words are for your ears alone.’

  ‘Yes, we will keep your confidences between us both, Dunod. I hope that your information will not confirm the sense of dread that we have also been feeling of late,’ Rene answered.

  The count continued, ‘I have just learned that an insurrection is underway in Paris. We both know that France’s economy has been strangled by royal privileges and a corrupt administrative system. I have personally attempted to convey my thoughts to the king, particularly those practices regarding crop failures and the high taxes that are burdening ordinary people.’

  Dunod spoke on, ‘As I see events unfolding now, the last opportunity for King Louis lies with the Third Estate. As you both know, the estate is made up of ordinary persons, together with some clergy and aristocracy. It was hoped that this group could find solutions to the present troubles besetting us all.’

  ‘I have also heard that the Third Estate would provide a force for unity,’ replied Laneve. ‘But is it possible this may not happen?’

  ‘I fear not, because the king, who is always abetted by Marie Antoinette, chose instead to revert back to the previous system of divine rights. He concentrated his troops in and around Paris last week on July 10th and these soldiers forcefully dispersed a demonstration of 5,000 people. There was looting and burning as the people captured rifles and several cannons from the Barracks des Invalides. However they had no ammunition because all of the gunpowder had been transferred to the Bastille.’

  ‘Speak on,’ Rene urged, dreading the next words of this shocking story.

  ‘So the people moved to the Bastille on July 14th demanding a peaceful surrender. But instead, de Launay commanded the soldiers to open fire on the crowd. This action scattered them until two o’clock when a huge crowd returned heavily armed with pikes, axes, knives and some rifles. They were even being joined by soldiers of the National Guard.

  The Swiss Guards on the battlements fired again and again into the crowd killing 97 assailants and injuring 70 others. The situation became intolerable when the mob was nearly able to force the doors. Finally de Launay had to surrender and the Bastille has now been captured by the people. Oh Laneve and Rene, I fear that France is about to embark upon a civil war or even worse, to find itself in the midst of a revolution.’

  Laneve sank back into her chair as Dunod continued. ‘You are still safe here in Montmorency, but take precautions whenever you both choose to travel. This present situation is urgent and I must be away quickly as others are awaiting me. Do take care of yourselves. Please promise me.’

  And so in July of 1789, Laneve and Rene first learned the news of the fall of the Bastille.

  ‘Storm clouds are gathering, Laneve,’ said Rene as he held her close to him. ‘We must take utmost care now and stay at home as much as we can.’

  They were both deeply disturbed by this magnitude of events – happenings that would lead them and so many others directly into a reign of terror.

  V.

  Seated at his desk, Captain Bernard Sarrette was organizing music and studying his conductor’s score for tomorrow’s rehearsal. The pale blue of the afternoon sky was slowing turning to pink and gold as a footman entered the study and began to light its many candles.

  ‘Shall I draw the drapes now, captain?

  ‘No need to do so as my work is finished. I’ll just enjoy this quiet space from my window. Perhaps you would return a little later.’

  Bernard Sarrette reflected on the success he had achieved during the past several years. ‘Mon Dieu, it seems only yesterday that I started the Military Band of the French National Guard, yet it has prospered and grown to include forty five musicians. I now can boast of accepting only the finest wind players in Europe.

  With the new change in public sentiment toward republicanism and the constant demand for music to accompany the growing parades and the large Grand National Festivals, my ensemble has found public favour. How fortunate I am.’

  At that very moment his peace was broken by a knock at his door. Sarrette crossed the room and was greeted by a fellow soldier from the National Guard.

  ‘Captain Sarrette, I have a document to deliver to you alone.’

  Sarrette took the envelope, thanked him and noticed immediately that it carried the seal of the Committee of State Education and Finances. Opening it hastily the message contained a request for his presence at a committee meeting on the next afternoon. It had been signed by Thermidor Chenier, acting head of the committee. Sarrette spoke aloud, ‘Whatever can the committee want of me? It must be something of great importance.’

  On the following day at the conclusion of his rehearsal, Sarrette requested a coach and was driven to the meeting place. As he entered the room he noticed a large number of committee members together with several prominent composers, gathered around a table. His musical colleagues were present including Goosec, Cherubini and the conductor Catel who welcomed him warmly. Two other men also entered the room and were introduced as architects. They immediately took their places and spread out a roll of architectural drawings on the table. Thermidor Chenier then rose and addressed the gathering.

  ‘Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you here today with some exciting news. There is now such a demand for massed concert band music that the Committee of State Education and Finance has expressed its desire to build and staff a new music school.

  This great institution will be known as the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique, and will be the first such school to be built throughout all of Europe. This school has a two-fold mission: it will be composed initially of 115 artists, and it must take part in the celebration of national festivals. Our decree also establishes the school, located within the commune of Paris, to train pupils of the two sexes, in all parts of the musical art.

  There is urgency within the committee to see the opening of the new Conservatoire in the year 1795. A site has been obtained for this purpose on the newly named, Rue Bergere in the buildings of the Menus Plaisirs. The interiors require extensive alterations and new fittings to make a suitable venue for a large music school.

  Work on this project will begin in four months and shortly our two visiting architects will brief you all on the layout and functional areas of the building. And as time goes on they will be happy to answer any questions and accept your suggestions regarding their plans.

  However, before I turn the meeting over to them it is the wish of the committee that you, Captain Bernard Sarrette, shall act as the Director and Chief Administrator of the new Conservatoire. Should you accept this offer, you and our two great composers, Monsieurs Goosec and Cherubini who are here today, together with our conductor, Catel, will join one another to begin detailed planning of the music faculty.

  Feel free to seek advice from other musical colleagues as well. The music program must encompass all aspects of the musical art of theory and performance as it is taught through composition, conducting, singing, woodwinds, brass, percussion as well as keyboard studies for the harpsichord and fortepiano.

  Please begin this undertaking as soon as possible and meet with the committee monthly. If you accept this great challenge, your contracts will be made available in the very near future.

  Gentlemen, do join us in this exciting new venture. And now may I invite the architects to make their presentation.’

  After the meeting concluded, Bernard Sarrette an
d his colleagues were astonished, exhilarated and filled with enthusiasm for this new venture. A new Conservatoire Nationale de Musique - what a challenge!

  As they exchanged ideas far into the night over dinner and wine in a nearby café, all reached agreement on the one outstanding person who should be the Professor of the Harpsichord and Fortepiano.

  Sarrette spoke first. ‘I wish to suggest Laneve, the Marquise de Marais.’

  Gossec replied, ‘I have attended her concerts with Viotti and she is the finest keyboard performer in Paris.’

  ‘You all know that Viotti shares my house with me,’ Cherubini interjected. ‘I have heard her perform on many occasions and her ability to improvise music at sight is a phenomenon.’

  ‘It appears that she possesses all the necessary qualifications gained from her study with Dussek, Hullmandel and Clementi,’ remarked Catel, nodding and smiling toward Dussek. And so it was decided. The name of Laneve, the Marquise de Marais, was the first choice of all. She should occupy the position of Professeur de Premiere Classe.

  VI.

  Mid October of 1789 held all the mellow warmth of late autumn. Laneve and Malande strolled through the gardens of the chateau as they gathered the last of the late summer blooms. Asters in deep tones of russet and gold filled their baskets.

  ‘Malande, these will look so beautiful arranged with your few late blooming white roses. You know how much Rene enjoys the flowers we bring into our dining room. And tell me, does Daniel, our stable boy, bring you any news of the unrest in Paris?’