Love's desires and the pleasures of Bacchus: the airs of Jean Sicard (fl. 1666-1683)

Abstract

This thesis examines the life and work of Jean Sicard, seventeenth-century French composer, singer and singing teacher. Ballard published 338 airs (including two instrumental pieces) in seventeen collections of Sicard's airs sérieux and airs à boire between 1666 and 1683. Although biographical details are sparse, Sicard's prefaces furnish valuable information about his patrons and endeavours. His life and music are examined and placed in a social, literary and musical context. The importance of parody and humour, both in the poetry and the music itself, is considered, and some of Sicard's poets are identified. His musical contribution to the air lay in the expansion of the simple binary-form model inherited from the air de cour and his variation of textures, particularly in his dialogues and drinking songs. The novel inclusion of viols and violins in many of Sicard's airs is also discussed, and parallels are drawn between his work and the musical developments of the French stage. Central to this research has been the compilation of the first catalogue containing all Sicard's known works. A critical edition of thirty representative airs is also included.