'Le Jongleur' is an operatic version of one of the
prettiest stories in Anatole France's 'Etui de Nacre.' Jean the juggler
is persuaded by the Prior of the Abbey of Cluny to give up his godless
life and turn monk. He enters the monastery, but ere long is distressed
to find that while his brethren prove their devotion to the Blessed
Virgin by their skill in the arts of painting, music and the like, he
can give no outward sign of the faith that is in him. At last he
bethinks him of his old craft. He steals into the chapel and performs
before the image of Our Lady the homely antics which in old days
delighted the country people at many a village fair. He is discovered by
the Prior, who is preparing to denounce the sacrilege when the image
comes to life and bends down to bless the poor juggler who has sunk
exhausted on the steps of the altar. The Prior bows in awe before this
manifestation of divine graciousness and the juggler dies in the odour
of sanctity. Massenet's music catches the spirit of the story with
admirable art. As regards melodic invention it is rather thin, but the
workmanship is beyond praise. The opening scene at the village fair is
appropriately bright and gay, but the best music comes in the second act
where the monks are gathered together in the convent hall, each busied
over his particular task. Here occurs the gem of the work, the Legend of
the Sage-bush, which is sung to the juggler-monk by his good friend the
convent cook.
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