Quand la Mer Rouge Apparut — through the ages
page 9 of the score
The melody and text for the drinking song Quand la Mer Rouge Apparut were well known before it appeared in Jean-Baptiste-Christophe Ballard’s 1717 book. In fact, the tune probably originated in southern France in the late 16th century. François Colletet (1628-1680?) borrowed the tune and replaced what he considered to be profane lyrics from the drinking song with spiritual text to create the French noel Quand Dieu nâquit à Noel ("When God was born at Christmas").
Date of my arrangement: 2023
Duration: 4:18 minutes
Instrumentation: S.A.T.B.GB.Cb.
My arrangement of Quand la Mer Rouge Apparut for recorder orchestra has distinct sections representing how this beautiful tune was used in three different time periods — songs and duets of 17th and early 18th centuries, keyboard music in the 2nd half of the 18th century, and modern choral anthems and church hymns. In addition to my original writing, I incorporated music by the following composers: Jean-Jacques Rippert (1695?-1725?), Jean-François Dandrieu (1682-1738), William Browne (c. 1576-1599), Michel Corrette (1707-1795), and Claude Balbastre (1727-1799).
Published by: Peacock Press (Recorder Music Mail) www.recordermail.co.uk
id code: P 841