Zoé Lafontaine, “Lady Laurier” (BAnQ)
The Lauriers, patrons of the mandolin
Towards the end of the 19th century, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his wife were part of a social circle of musicians and artists. The couple met while Wilfrid was studying law in Montreal and boarding with Séraphin Gauthier, a friend of his father and a great music lover. His wife, Zoé Lafontaine, born in Montreal in 1841, was a musician, pianist and mandolinist. The Lauriers married in 1868 and played an active role in the development of the French-Canadian musical movement.
“Lady Laurier is the talk of the town. It’s so natural to praise the dignity, gentleness, smiling kindness, modesty and charity of this happy woman. Lady Laurier, as an accomplished woman of the world, entertains a great deal at her residence in the capital, as her social position makes it her duty to do, and let us say in praise of her gracious tact that she enjoys the same respectful admiration in the official and private worlds. Lady Laurier is an excellent pianist. She interprets the works of the masters with rare feeling. At Thursday meetings, she often accompanies the dancing youth on the piano. “To please everyone” seems to be Lady Laurier’s motto, as the charming woman radiates joy to all those around her.”
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada (1896-1911)
The French-Canadian music movement and the rise of liberalism in Canada
Around 1895, there was a stirring of culture and identity in Canada. The conservative policies of the 19th century and the question of national identity resurface in the news. We witness the rise of liberalism and a French-Canadian identity movement in Quebec. Wilfrid Laurier, born in Saint-Lin in 1841, was a politician, lawyer and journalist. He became Prime Minister of Canada in 1896, propelling the country into the 20th century. His federal policies and openness to immigration fostered Canada's cultural and economic development.
“Premier Jean Lesage last night inaugurated an exhibition of objects relating to former Liberal premier Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The month-long exhibition includes portraits, jewelry, Mrs. Laurier’s mandolin and the chair Sir Wilfrid used to listen to her play.”
Le Cercle Mélodique: Dir Mme Wilfrid Gagnon, Misses Valérie Plouffe, Délia Plouffe, Louisa Blais, Rose Moineau, Maria Champagne, May Douglas, Emma Larochelle, Marie-Louise Desjardins et Iréne Leclaire. (BAnQ)
LE CERCLE MÉLODIQUE
Under the skilful direction of piano, mandolin and solfeggio teacher Madame Wilfrid Gagnon, the mandolin orchestra performs choice pieces from a wide repertoire. The mandolinists are talented young musicians, many of whom have obtained music diplomas.
“Weekly rehearsals are held at Madame Gagnon’s studio, where she strives to cultivate taste and develop musical talent as much as possible in her young students. Mme Gagnon brought a collection of melodies from the great French, Italian and German operas from New York for her “Cercle”, specially arranged for mandolin and piano. The “melodic circle” has lent its support to many concerts, banquets and musical evenings in Montreal, and has often enhanced the splendor of our religious celebrations, performing at retreats, pilgrimages, etc. The charming little mandolin orchestra has always been much appreciated.”
WEbsites
J.E. Bélair (1895-), Le Passe-Temps
https://collections.banq.qc.ca/ark:/52327/2272562
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Readings
SPARKS, P. (1995) The Classical Mandolin, BÉLANGER, R. (1986) Wilfrid Laurier, quand la politique devient passion, SAINT-JACQUES D. et DES RIVIÈRES M.J. (2015) De la belle époque à la crise, BORDES E. (1980) Le Mémorial du Québec, le Québec 1839-1889, AMTMANN, W. (1976) La musique au Québec 1600 - 1875, LINTEAU, P.-A. (1997). Quelle Belle Époque? Cap-aux-Diamants, COTÉ, C. (1990). Les racines de la musique populaire québécoise.
