Marin Marais and "The Bladder Stone Operation"

Gaspare Traversi: Die Operation (1753)
It must be Election Day!

Last week I referred to a "novelty work" by Marin Marais for cello and harpsichord and narrator on the Winter Baroque concert (December 22nd at 3:00 at St. Paul's - tickets on sale here). It all starts with a kidney stone. If you have had one, I’m told the pain is akin to childbirth. While I’ve never birthed a baby, I have had a kidney stone. I thought I was dying.

The incomparable Don Martin

French baroque composer Marin Marais had a similar experience. He even chronicled the operation he underwent in 1725 at 64 years old in a short work titled, imaginatively, Le Tableau de l'Opération de la Taille ("The Bladder-Stone Operation"). You know what they didn’t have in 1720? Anesthesia!

The libretto is not for the faint of heart.  

The patient trembles at the sight of the operating table,
and his arms and legs are secured with silk restraints.

The incision is made,
and forceps are inserted.

The stone is pulled out, and blood flows.
The patient's voice dies away to a croak.
The cords are removed,
and the patient is carried to bed.
Manuscript to
“Le Tableau de l'Opération de la Taille”

The rest of the concert should be considerably more relaxing with some of the most beloved, comforting music ever written including Vivaldi’s triple concerto L’Estro Armonico, a life-affirming solo cello suite by Bach, a stormy concerto grosso by Handel, and Bach’s perfect double concerto for two violins. What better way to celebrate the holidays? The concert is a little over an hour with no intermission.

If you’ve been good this year, Santa might just have a very special encore for you.

David Yang, Artistic Director

Marin Marais (1656 - 1728)
Download File

latest posts

By

David Yang

If you think I am going to weigh in on who serves the best lobster roll in Newburyport then you've got another thing coming.

By

David Yang

We need beauty in our lives, now more than ever. Here are three gifts.

By

David Yang

Why exactly did they wear wigs in the 17th Century? (Maybe better not to ask.) Set aside Sunday, December 22nd for our annual winter baroque concert.

Help ensure our continued success

NCMF relies on the assistance of corporations, foundations, and most importantly, you.

Make a GiftVolunteer
Season
17