Anniversary: Stendhal and music

[Spineur]

Today, Henri Bayle alias Stendhal was born, 233 years ago.  His interest in music inspired his literary carrier: his first published work title is
"Une vie de Haydn"
Here is a few quotes, which I am translating for you
"In music  there are two routes to pleasure: Haydn style with its sublime harmony and Cimarosa style and its sublime melody"
Here are a few Utube excerpts which illustrate his views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L-304I-pRc (Haydn, The seven last word of Christ -Jordi Savall Medeci TV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqrgx1lhf6g (Cimarosa, Il matrimono segreto - ouverture, Hilary Griffiths)
This latter opera inspire him in "La chartreuse de Parme"
He also wrote a life of Rossini, and was very fond of Mozart and Paesiello.

Stendhal was born in my home town (Grenoble), as well as Champollion and Fourier who did not share is passion for music.

[Florestan]

Stendhal was born in my home town (Grenoble), as well as Champollion and Fourier

As I told you in the other thread, I have lived in Grenoble for almost two years. I had spotted both Stendhal´s and Fourier´s birthplaces there, yet never knew Champollion was a Grenobloise by birth.

Stendhal´s biographies of Haydn and Mozart might not be the most accurate ever written, but they are certainly among the most heartfelt ever penned. His work on Rossini is also worth checking out for the same reasons.

Le rouge et le noir, La chartreuse de Parme --- they are among the best novels I´ve ever read.

Three cheers for Stendhal!