This is part II of our episode swap on The Raft of the Medusa from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano. Enjoy this bonus episode and check out Rich's podcast, it's fantastic!

The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-day Mauritania. The ship, intended to transport French officials to Senegal, ran aground on the Arguin Bank due to the incompetence of its captain, Viscount Hugues de Chaumareys and an arrogant passenger Antoine Richefort, who convinced Chaumareys he was a skilled, experienced navigator. The evacuation of the vessel was chaotic and poorly managed, resulting in the abandonment of over 147 passengers on a crude, makeshift raft. The survivors endured a harrowing ordeal of starvation, dehydration, and cannibalism during their 13-day drift before rescue, with only 15 out of the 147 surviving. 

The aftermath of the Medusa shipwreck sparked public outrage in France, leading to a sensational trial and widespread condemnation of the ship’s officers and government officials involved. Théodore Géricault, a French artist, famously depicted the tragedy in his painting “The Raft of the Medusa,” capturing the despair and horror experienced by the survivors. The disaster highlighted systemic issues within the French naval administration, including nepotism and incompetence, prompting reforms in naval recruitment and training practices.

Links:
The Raft of the Medusa page, on Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs: https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/03/11/the-raft-of-the-medusa/

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Le Radeau de la Méduse by Théodore Géricault, 1818-1819

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In this very special episode, we interview Thérèse Casadesus Rawson, daughter of the renowned French pianists Robert and Gaby Casadesus. The occasion is the publication of Gaby Casadesus' book My Musical Notes: A Journey in Classical Piano between the World Wars and Beyond, now available in English. We discuss the book, as well as Thérèse's parents' careers, lives, and enduring legacy.

Together, we travel around the globe, delve into the lives of some of the most celebrated musicians of the twentieth century, and even touch on encounters with other famous figures, including Albert Einstein. Join us for a musical journey unlike any other.

Timecodes
Introduction
02:45 - Pianists Careers and Love
07:18 - The 1920's & 30s
16:57 - Einstein, the War & the USA
30:59 - Post War Life in France and the USA
38:22 - The Tragedies of 1972
45:32 - The Couple's Legacy
50:10 - Conclusion

Links:
Get the book My Musical Notes: A Journey in Classical Piano between the World Wars and Beyond My Musical Notes by Gaby Casadesus. Available at Barnes & Nobles, Indigo and Amazon (unaffiliated links).

The Casadesus Family's Website: https://casadesus.com

The Fontainebleau Schools for Music and Fine Arts: https://fontainebleauschools.org

Robert Casadesus' page on Apple Music Classical: https://classical.music.apple.com/ca/artist/robert-casadesus-1899?l=fr-CA

Gaby Casadesus' page on Apple Music Classical: https://classical.music.apple.com/ca/artist/gaby-casadesus-1901?l=fr-CA

Casadesus: First Family Of The Piano (DVD): https://www.vaimusic.com/product/4276.html

Robert Casadesus Website: https://www.robertcasadesus.com/en/long-biography/

Danses Méditerranéennes and Dolly: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/casadesus-3-danses-m%C3%A9diterran%C3%A9ennes-chabrier-3-valses/1452594800

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Robert and Gaby Casadesus, photo by Axel Chambily-Casadesus

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We have something special for today, an episode swap! Coming straight from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano, I give you the story of the Radeau de la Méduse, The Raft of the Medusa.

The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-day Mauritania. The ship, intended to transport French officials to Senegal, ran aground on the Arguin Bank due to the incompetence of its captain, Viscount Hugues de Chaumareys and an arrogant passenger Antoine Richefort, who convinced Chaumareys he was a skilled, experienced navigator. The evacuation of the vessel was chaotic and poorly managed, resulting in the abandonment of over 147 passengers on a crude, makeshift raft. The survivors endured a harrowing ordeal of starvation, dehydration, and cannibalism during their 13-day drift before rescue, with only 15 out of the 147 surviving. 

The aftermath of the Medusa shipwreck sparked public outrage in France, leading to a sensational trial and widespread condemnation of the ship’s officers and government officials involved. Théodore Géricault, a French artist, famously depicted the tragedy in his painting “The Raft of the Medusa,” capturing the despair and horror experienced by the survivors. The disaster highlighted systemic issues within the French naval administration, including nepotism and incompetence, prompting reforms in naval recruitment and training practices.

Links:
The Raft of the Medusa page, on Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs: https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/03/11/the-raft-of-the-medusa/

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Le Radeau de la Méduse by Théodore Géricault, 1818-1819

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Charles MacKay, PhD, former university history professor at Morehead State University and West Virginia University joins us to discuss Queen Marie-Antoinette and her family, especially her son, the ill-fated Louis XVII.

These members of the French royal family suffered terribly during the French Revolution, eventually losing their lives to the guillotine or to mistreatment. Join us for a riveting discussion on this Cursed Family.

Timecodes
Introduction
03:56 - The Austrian Bride
07:55 - Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France
19:29 - The Affair of the Diamond Necklace
34:18 - The Royal Couple's Family Life
39:39 - The French Revolution
45:52 - The Flight to Varennes and the Queen's Trial
56:02 - Louis XVII, an 8-year-old in solitary confinement
01:02:52 - The Legacies of Marie-Antoinette & Louis XVII
01:10:23 - Conclusion

Links:

Charles’s BlueSky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/bubblesvampire.bsky.social

Charles’s X profile: https://x.com/BubblesVampire

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Marie-Antoinette et ses enfants, by Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, 1787.

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We will traverse the peaks and valleys of five republics, each reflecting France’s evolving spirit and struggles. From revolutionary fervour to imperial ambition, from the trials of war to the triumphs of modern democracy, each republic has contributed to the rich mosaic of France as we know it today.

Join us as we unravel the dramatic narrative of the Five French Republics, where every chapter is a tale of resilience and reinvention. Prepare to be captivated by a story as rich and complex as France itself.


Timecodes
Introduction
05:15 - Establishment of the First Republic
17:38 - The Directorate and the Consulate
25:05 - The short-lived Second Republic
34:47 - The Third Republic - Out of the Ashes, into the Fire
45:11 - The Belle Époque and the World Wars
51:12 - The Fourth Republic - Colonial Crisis
58:45 - The Fifth Republic - Presidential authority
01:04:19 - Conclusion

Relevant Episodes:

• First Republic: The French Revolution, a Worldwide Tremor & Napoléon Part I - From Corsica to Paris
• Second & Third Republics: The Franco-Prussian War of 1870, rehearsal for the World Wars, French Indochina, from Imperial Jewel to Hell on Earth, The Dreyfus Affair. France's Shame, The First World War. The French Experience
• Fourth & Fifth Republics: The Fall of France of 1940, German Victory or French Defeat?, Charles de Gaulle, Tales of Grandeur

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: La République triomphante préside à la grande fête nationale du 14 juillet 1880, 1880 (Archives nationales, Paris).

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To commemorate the 200th anniversary of La Fayette's grand tour of the USA in 1824, we have a special episode featuring guest Elizabeth Reese. Elizabeth is a public historian whose work focuses on the American Revolution and the Early Republic.

She recently published a book on the famed Marquis' visit to America: "Marquis de Lafayette Returns - A Tour of America's National Capital Region".

Join us as we discuss the circumstances, unfolding, and consequences of this great endeavour.

Timecodes
Introduction
04:23 - Brief overview of La Fayette and why President Monroe Invited Him
15:26 - The Scale of the Tour
21:35 - La Fayette Visits DC
28:33 - Important Events during the Tour
37:17 - The Legacy of the Tour
46:23 - Conclusion

Relevant Links:

• Elizabeth's Website: https://www.elizabethmreese.com/
• Her book "Marquis de Lafayette Returns - A Tour of America's National Capital Region": https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781467155878/
• Elizabeth's BlueSky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/elizamreese.bsky.social
• Elizabeth's Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/elizamreese/
• Elizabeth's X profile: https://x.com/elizamreese
• Lafayette 200's Website (by American Friends of Lafayette): https://lafayette200.org/

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: La Fayette in 1825, portrait by Matthew Harris Jouett

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Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors who ever lived, from every country and genre. He is the most translated author in the world after Agatha Christie and is by far the most translated French author. Verne's vision, stories and characters still resonate with us today, whether as part of new fictional storylines, or as cultural beacons and references.

Verne didn't just write stories; he opened portals to new worlds and inspired generations to dream bigger and reach farther. Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of Jules Verne, the father of science fiction and a true visionary of his time.

Timecodes
Introduction
04:42 - Growing up in Nantes
11:06 - Young Parisian Playwright
19:05 - Success, at last
31:36 - Darker Times
41:47 - Conclusion

Links to relevant episodes:

• On the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War: https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/10702428-the-franco-prussian-war-of-1870-rehearsal-for-the-world-wars
• On late 19th century colonization: https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/12999723-french-indochina-from-imperial-jewel-to-hell-on-earth
• On the Dreyfus Affair: https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/14076356-the-dreyfus-affair-france-s-shame

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Jules Verne in 1892, photograph by Charles Herbert

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On one side, the Catholic majority, unwavering in their devotion to Rome. On the other, the Huguenots, French Protestants inspired by the teachings of Jean Calvin.  Caught in the crossfire of this religious divide was the monarchy, struggling to maintain order amidst growing tension. But their efforts often only fuelled the flames of conflict.

And so, in 1562, the first shots were fired in what would become known as the French Wars of Religion. Over the next three decades, France would be engulfed in a series of bloody clashes between Catholics and Protestants, tearing the nation apart.

Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that defined this turbulent period. From the grand halls of royal palaces to the blood-soaked fields of battle, we'll bring to life the key events and personalities that shaped the destiny of France.

Timecodes:
Introduction
05:15 - From Strength to Chaos
17:34 - Instability and Crisis
27:24 - War, War, War!
33:53 - The Saint-Barthélemy Massacre
41:05 - The Eighth and Final War
47:55 - Henri IV - "Paris is well worth a Mass"
52:06 - Conclusion

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: "St. Bartholomew's Day massacre' by François Dubois (1572)

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When we talk about Napoléon, we often talk about battles or politics, but we don't talk nearly enough about the man. Some dismiss him as a proto-Hitler, others adore him as they would a god. But few actually try to crack open the mysteries of the Napoleonic mind. Author Louis Sarkozy did just that, by studying Napoléon Bonaparte and his most important personal activity: his readings.

Louis Sarkozy's upcoming book, Napoleon's Library, is both a fantastic character study and a thoroughly executed research on the emperor's reading habits. It informs us of the importance of his readings, as well as the evolution of his mind throughout the years.

Louis and I had a fantastic discussion regarding Napoléon's character, achievements, failures and legacy. We also threw a few jabs at the 2023 movie by Ridley Scott.

Timecodes:
Introduction
04:13 - Napoléon's Readings
12:55 - From Words to Action
19:06 - From Thinker to Soldier
33:59 - Napoléon's Mythos & Legacy
52:11- Napoléon's Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses
01:01:28 - The 2023 Movie
01:08:11 - Conclusion

Louis Sarkozy's Website: https://www.louissarkozy.org/
Louis Sarkozy's Profile on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/napsarkozy

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Bonaparte, Premier consul, by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1804)

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We often see history as a succession of dates, events, wars and political machinations. But we should not forget that history is also forged by culture and by art. Art reflects society's values and aspirations, but also helps create them and move people forward. It also elevates us and makes us better in many ways.

Among the many art forms available to us, music is the one that transports us with the greatest strength. It surrounds us, lifts us and takes us to places we didn't know existed. Oh, literature and paintings can do that too, but music is special. It is unique as it can be savoured with our eyes closed. 

Let's meet Camille Saint-Saëns and France's music!

Timecodes:
Introduction
04:33 - A Young Prodigy
12:28 - The Remarkable Organist & Pianist
19:17 - World Famous Composer
32:13 - Conclusion

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Musical excerpts (in order):

Finale - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 

Phaeton, Op. 39 

Symphony #3 In C Minor, Op. 78, "Organ", 4th movement 

Danse Macabre, Op. 40 

Symphony #3 In C Minor, Op. 78, "Organ", 1st movement 

The Swan - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 

Aviary - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 

Aquarium - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 

Pianists - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 

Royal march of the Lion - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125

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