Avant-garde mélodies

Camille Saint-Saëns and Clémence de Grandval were among the first artists involved in the work of the Société Nationale de Musique. Founded in the aftermath of France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), the organisation adopted the motto “Ars Gallica” (French Art): its aim was to promote French music, enabling French composers to venture down new paths without fearing criticism from the press or public. Mélodies played an important part in the experimentation encouraged by the SNM: while conveying the expressiveness of the text, the music explored increasingly subtle harmonies.

Concert followed by a cocktail.