It’s the story of a friendly trio, spanning the centuries. From a meeting, on a television set in 2021, between the illustrious pianist Claire-Marie Le Guay, the academician Erik Orsenna… and Jean-Sébastien Bach. One thing led to another, the first two, passionate about the third, collaborated on stage during word and music concerts. A book written by both hands could only be the perfect extension of this alchemy.
Thus was born May the joy remain. Living with Bacha hybrid object through which both recount their intimate and personal experience and perception of Bach. A touching work, intended for everyone, to savor while listening
Bach. Écouter la lumièrethe latest album by Claire-Marie Le Guay specially recorded to accompany the book.
You titled your latest book,
May the joy remain. Why this title?
Because Bach’s music elevates us. She looks towards the sky and is constantly turned towards the light. This title refers to deep joy, which is much more than cheerfulness: it is a joy which does not exclude the pain of mourning nor the trials, which were very numerous in Bach’s life – he lost several children and his first wife.
Everyone can find an echo in moments of their life and Bach helps us access this joy. This title is also a nod to Erik Orsenna’s meeting with Bach: one day, he heard the cantata at Quimper cathedral. Jesus, may my joy remainperformed on the organ. Then something happened…
How is this deep joy embodied in Bach’s compositions?
One of Bach’s signatures is what we call in music the Picardy third: a piece that is in minor and ends with a major chord. At the last bar, a change in lighting occurs: the sun, joy, hope return. It’s not systematic
