Versatility in the French- Speaking Caribbean
In my previous blog posts it was mentioned that a musician's ability to adapt to social changes in order to sustain their musical lifestyle is called their versatility. In Tour de force written by Christine Gangelhoff and Cathleen LeGrand, we are introduced to a prime example of this versatility, Mr. Alain Pierre Pradel. Pradel was born on Basse- Terre, Guadeloupe where he began studying the piano at twelve years of age. However, when he matured, Alain Pierre Pradel did not focus solely on a career as a composer. He worked for many years as a banker until his retirement. Pradel is quoted as saying, "I never thought about making a career in music. My one goal was to have a score written by my own hands and...my own name inscribed, with the dedication to the person of my choice" (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2019). Pradel used the money he made as a banker to fund his musical career. One of Pradel's greatest compositions is called Cannelle Pomme which was written in dedication to his wife Catherine Giorgi. Fun fact: Cannelle Pomme translates to Sweetsop or what we call Sugar Apple in The Bahamas. The song is an ode to his wife being his "sweetie" : )
A photo of Alain Pierre Pradel is presented below.
Next we will take a brief journey to the past where we are introduced to one of the most prominent musicians in Guadeloupean history, Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint Geroges. Jospeh Bologne lived between 1745-1799. He was born in Guadeloupe but was taken to France by his French father to receive an education and further his social standing. Joseph never returned to Guadeloupe but his legacy reigns throughout the island. "Bologne was an accomplished composer, conductor, violinist and fencer" (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2019). Bologne would play the violin solos in his concertos. These violin compositions were usually very demanding for the player. This shows the great talent that Bologne possessed. Joseph's versatility and amazing skills led observers to call him " the Black Mozart" (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2019).
Below is a photo depiction of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges
Photo credit : https://www.sfcv.org/articles/feature/black-brilliant-and-almost-forgotten-la-opera-streams-joseph-bolognes-anonymous#
There can never be mention of the French Caribbean without mentioning Haiti. Haiti was the first Caribbean nation to gain independence in 1804. Not only was the island of Haiti full of resources that enabled the country to become the most lucrative island in the Caribbean, it was also full of revolutionaries and musical talent. From this line of great people came one of Haiti's most internationally known artist, Wyclef Jean. Wyclef Jean whose real name is Nel Ust Wycliffe Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets in 1969. He is known as a Haitian rapper, producer, and philanthropist. Wyclef Jean used his musical capabilities to create The Fugees with Lauryn Hill and Prakazrel Michel. The Fugees blended jazz, soul, reggae and hip hop into their album The Score which won the group two Grammy awards.
Pictured below is Wyclef Jean in 2006
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