Cunningham_Jonelle Music French 322

 Jonelle Cunningham

Survey of Caribbean Music

Exploring Caribbean Connections

French Caribbean

The French Caribbean refers to countries or islands that have been colonized by France and France would still have influences on that country presently, whether that be in culture or languages that are spoken. Some examples of these countries are Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Martin. The country I chose to focus on would be Haiti.

Central Artist :The option of choice is  Mr. Justin Elie who was born on September 1883 in Cap-Haitien .He was known as one of the best pianist as well as composers and he began studying piano just at the age 6. He is known for Classical music. Elie began his studies and continued to study at Institution de Saint Louis de Gonzague before travelling to France. In 1922 Eli left from Haiti in the United states where he settled in New York. He is a Haitian musician who had knowledge of both classical  melody and Haitian folk rhythms. Towards the ending of his life he developed cerebral hemorrhage suddenly and dies in December 1931 while composing a Fantasie Tropical. Some of his works are as Follows:

 Legende Creole 

Legende Creole is one of Elie's more well known pieces. It is a beautiful piece written for the violin and piano. I enjoyed this piece because it allows the violin to demonstrate its beautiful high registers which pairs and blends together well with piano. The piece sounds classical mostly. The piece was written in 1921 during his time in New York. The piece itself is unique because it combines Elie's Haitian heritage rhythms and classical skills together. The mood of the piece changes through out  sometimes its solemn other times its spritely and lively. Additionally, the piece is very emotional.

Fantasie Tropicale

This piece although it is a bit lengthy is very beautiful it is entitled "Fantasie Tropicale". It is a compositional work and  the name itself suggest that it was written although it sounds classical it does have some Caribbean rhythms while still being an orchestral piece. The overall feel of this piece is would be vibrant, and joyful. It eve includes native shakers which adds  cultural uniqueness to the piece.The piece was written in 1930 and Interestingly, This piece was never published due to Elie's sudden death in 1931.

Chante de la Montagne #3

This piece was written in 1922 and it translates to songs of the Mountains#3 and it is a classic of Haitian music. It is a part of a suite and it is a nocturne which is a song inspired by the night. It has an eerie and slightly uneasy feel to it. It was wriiten to express the beauty of Haiti and its mountains while seen in the nighttime which causes the mood of the listener to be at peace. This song is the third of the pieces it has a #1 and #2

Another piece would be "Haytian Orchestra". This piece was conducted by the composer Justin Elie. This Orchestra was formed during the 1920s. It is called Voodo scenes as voodoo scenes pirestess dance because it was orginally inspired by Haitian Voudo Rituals and Voudo is an important ritual practice.

 

Lastly Meringue Popularities no 2. is actually a refined version of the traditional Haitian merinque. it is performed as a piano solo it was composed in 1920. This piece is a set of 6 dances and is a very cultural piece.

Justin Elie - Wikipedia

Justine Elie – His Journey as a Haitian Composer | International Magazine Kreol

what are some of Justin Elie famous works - Google Search

Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.