What does the name Traverse de l’Arlesienne evoke for you? This place in Marseille is more than just a street. It is a path woven into a story of love and tragedy.
The name “L’Arlesienne” translates to “the girl from Arles”. It comes from a short story by Alphonse Daudet. This tale, set in Provence, tells of a young man named Fréderi. He falls deeply in love with a woman from Arles.
However Fréderi discovers her infidelity before their wedding. This discovery shatters him. His family tries to save him from his despair. Ultimately Fréderi’s heartbreak leads him to suicide. He jumps from a balcony.
Interestingly the girl from Arles never appears in the story or play. She is only talked about. In French culture “Arlesienne” describes someone noticeably absent. It refers to an unseen character in a story.
Georges Bizet composed incidental music for Daudet’s play. The premiere was in 1872 at the Vaudeville Theatre in Paris. The play wasn’t a success initially. It closed after just 21 performances. Yet, Bizet’s music lived on.
Bizet created an orchestral suite from the music. After Bizet’s death, his friend Ernest Guiraud created a second suite. The suites contain some of Bizet’s most famous compositions. They keep the story of L’Arlesienne alive.
Bizet included traditional Provençal tunes. He sought to capture the region’s unique sounds. One such tune is the “March of the Kings”. This Provençal Christmas carol appears throughout the score. It gives a sense of place.
The instrumentation of Bizet’s music is also notable. He included a saxophone which was relatively new. Some connect it with the character L’Innocent. The music uses a tambourin. It is a Provençal drum to evoke local festivals.
The story of L’Arlesienne explores themes of love betrayal and despair. The Traverse de l’Arlesienne is a reminder of this tragic tale. It connects us to Alphonse Daudet’s story. It links us to Bizet’s evocative music.
Think of Fréderi’s heartbreak. Remember the unseen girl from Arles. The Traverse de l’Arlesienne carries a story. It is a story of passion and sorrow. It echoes through the streets of Marseille.