Paris: Harmony in Architecture

Bonsoir!

The sonic legacy of the past is apparent in every aspect of the cobblestone streets and flower box-lined streets that line Paris's wonders.  Philosophy, art, history, literature, and music are all inseparably strewn about the city.

 I was able to visit Les Deux Magots, the cafe that Simone De Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus (among other well known writers and philosophers) often visited.  It was amazing to feel the atmosphere in which they would write and discuss their ideas. I had some thoughtful conversations with a few friends of mine within the study abroad program over cheese, bread, hot chocolate, and coffee. 

 Our class also visited the chapel of Saint Denis. Here, we discussed the philosophical and theological implications of the architecture.  The narrow and upwards pointing pillars were built to reflect a direction towards the sky, or, in the context of the church, towards God.  It also provided a structural advantage and allowed for the chapels to be taller than they would have been if they were not built under Gothic influence. I was able to take some audio samples within the chapel itself that reflect the role of music and recording technologies within religious practice in France throughout history. 

Our next plans are to travel to Versailles and spend time in the garden in which we will hold our class.  Overall, this has been an experience with an influence on me that is untouchable by the written word. It has been such a pleasure to experience French language, culture, and music, and I am ecstatic to continue to study music in this setting.

Jill Tuthill