A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE SUN KING
In this programme we will be learning about music from the court of Louis XIV, also known as the ‘Sun King’, through movement, drama, costume and our singing voices!
There is a very special party taking place in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles to celebrate the baptism of the son of Louis XIV. But to get there, you have to complete a series of challenges. In each room, you will have to demonstrate your skills as costume designers, musical instrument makers and courtiers, who can impress the King with their skills in music, movement, flattery and fighting!
Do you have what it takes to impress the King, or will you displease him and lose your head? Let’s find out!
EPISODE 1
Location
The Royal Courtyard
Challenge
Make a crown, sword and drum.
To impress Louis IXV, you must look like a courtier, and for that you will need a crown, sword and musical instrument. Download and print out the templates and follow the instructions in the video to make a crown, sword and drum.
EPISODE 2
Location
The Marble Courtyard
Challenge
Move like a courtier
Before we can go through the marble courtyard we will learn a body percussion/rhythm activity with music by Marin Marais - only a true courtier could know this music so well!
2. Move like a Courtier (Sestina Music: A Day in the Life of the Sun King)
EPISODE 3
Location
The Gallery of Battles
Challenge
Fight like a courtier
Before we can enter the Gallery of Battles we need to learn to move, fight and sing in French like a Courtier through the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, demonstrating our loyalty to Louis, and to France!
3. Fight like a Courtier (Sestina Music: A Day in the Life of the Sun King)
EPISODE 4
Location
The Royal Opera House
Challenge
Flatter the king
Before we can get into the Opera House, we must learn to flatter the King in French with a song by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
4. Flatter the King (Sestina Music: A Day in the Life of the Sun King)
EPISODE 5
Location
The Royal Chapel
Challenge
Audition for the Choir
Here we will learn the audition piece for the chapel choir, ‘Plaude Laetare Gallia’ written for the baptism of the prince, eldest son of Louis by Jean Baptiste Lully.
5. Audition for the choir (Sestina Music: A Day in the Life of the Sun King)
EPISODE 6
Location
The Royal Apartments
Challenge
Scarf Dance
In this episode we will learn how to move like a courtier with a traditional French Scarf Dance, with music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
6. Scarf dance (Sestina Music: A Day in the Life of the Sun King)
EPISODE 7
Location
The Hall of Mirrors
Challenge
Perform for the king
In our final magical episode we will learn a musical ostinato pattern on instruments, a traditional French song called ‘Noel Nouvelet’, how to sing in parts, and how to move together in a traditional circle dance.
