The Sad Life of Laure Beauséjour

Programme Notes

The four movements of this composition are inspired by various chapters in the life of Laure Beauséjour, the protagonist of the novel Bride of New France by Canadian author Suzanne Desrochers. The many hardships that Laure faced throughout her life stayed with me long after I finished reading this epic book, and I felt compelled to translate these emotions into music.

MUSICAL TREATMENT:
As the novel is set in 1670s France and New France, it seemed a natural choice to utilize period instruments for the orchestration. My goal was to musically express the hardship and sadness in four different chapters of Laure’s life. While subtle compositional techniques are used to differentiate the movements, I purposely kept them similar in structure—using the same key (G minor), a slow tempo, and a distinct, sorrowful melodic theme with simple, ambient accompaniment. I’ve always appreciated suites or sets of compositions that maintain the same pace and tone throughout, particularly in Satie’s Gymnopédies or Gnossiennes collections.

MOVEMENTS:

1. Taken Away from Parents
Direct and militaristic in tone, with a melancholy melody.
Melody: Violin 1. Duration: 3:40.

2. Life in the Salpêtrière
Uses an existing Gregorian chant melody (Puer natus est nobis – “A child is born to us”), a text that reveres the Baby Jesus. This stands in stark contrast to the harsh upbringing Laure experienced at the Salpêtrière.
Melody: Viola da Gamba. Duration: 1:45.

3. Boat to the New World
Inspired by the Barcarolle rhythm, evoking the sound of waves against the boat.
Melody: Harpsichord. Duration: 2:40.

4. First Winter in New France… Alone
The second violin’s constant tremolo emulates Laure’s shivering.
Melody: Violin 2. Duration: 3:50.

– Frank Horvat