Jolivet - Chant de Linos

Matthew Ross, Flute
Kseniia Polstiankina, Piano
André Jolivet (1905 - 1974)
Chant de Linos
October 7, 2014
Robert J. Werner Recital Hall
André Jolivet’s Chant de Linos was composed in 1944 on commission for the Solo de Concours of the Paris Conservatory. This work hints at Jolivet’s strong fascination with rituals and primitive chants. Jolivet includes a note at the beginning of the pieces that translates as “The Song of Linus in Greek antiquity was a form of threnody [song for the dead]: a funeral lamentation interrupted by cries and dances.” The most commonly known legend behind Linus and his mourning song involves the Greek hero Hercules. Linus was the son of Apollo and a Muse, usually said to be Calliope. Linus taught music to his brother Orpheus and then later to the young Hercules. Linus reprimanded Hercules for mistakes in his playing, and a furious Hercules retaliated by hitting Linus over the head with his lyre, killing him. Another story lists Linus as the son of Apollo and the princess Psamathe of Argos. In fear of her father (the king), Psamathe left Linos to be exposed to the elements, after which he was killed by wild sheepdogs. Apollo lamented the death of his infant son, and in his rage, rained down plagues on the people of Argos.