Chevalier de Penmarch,
I am happy to have you as Minister of Culture and I think you will do an excellent
job. Since you were interested in founding a musical academy I have a suggestion I
hope you will find to be good.
As you know we will soon have to discuss political matters with high representatives
from our neighboring countries. It is always difficult to arrange for meetings with
foreign ministers and ambassadors without arousing suspicions everywhere. I believe
the founding of such a musical academy with the corresponding invitation of foreign
musicians and foreign dignitaries would be an excellent opportunity both for
motivating the cost of starting such an academy, and for having vital political
discussions.
If you think it possible it would be best if we could rush things and have a one-week
celebration next month, where we invited the cream of the European courts. If you
think it is unrealistic, an international music festival in preparation for starting
an academy could serve the same purpose.
I believe I could contribute by inviting some nice Prussian march-music bands, a
Bavarian "humpa-humpa"-band and the Swedish court troubadour Carl Michael Bellman.
Yours
Duc Axel von Fersen
Minister of State
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathryn Chadbourne" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Banana Engarde" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2001 6:14 AM
Subject: Banana: Application for Minister of Culture
> BBG le Chevalier Chretien de Penmarch, GDMD
> to
> Duc Axel von Fersen, Minister of State
>
> Most estimable Duc,
>
> I would like to announce my application for the position of Minister of
> Culture.
>
> To my mind, there is no more glorious or appropriate way to honor Le Roi
> than with the products of culture - with painting, architecture, music,
> poetry, scholarship and science. Culturally, we live in exciting
> times. Our artists and interpreters of culture seem to be poised on a
> razor's edge, looking Janus-wise between the serene perfection of the
> classical past and the alluring possibilities of a bold future. Our
> scientists are outdoing themselves with discoveries about the true nature
> of the world and everything in it. Not ten years ago our great Monarch
> decreed the foundation of academies for painting and sculpture, science,
> and architecture. In so doing, He funded a wealth of innovation in all of
> the arts and sciences which has put France at the heart of European
> cultural development. It is our cuisine, our painting, our poetry, and our
> music that Europe craves; when we share our gifts with Europe, we
> underscore the glory of France and the refined tastes and discrimination of
> its First Patron.
>
> It is my dream to build on these accomplishments by establishing an
> Academy of Music - this very year if it can be arranged. My own modest
> skill with the violin has put me in connection with many musicians eager to
> perform, to teach, to compose, to collaborate; the establishment of an
> Academy would ensure that these musicians receive the support and guidance
> they need directly from the government, thus ensuring a uniformly high
> standard of training and performance.
>
> I would also like to propose the establishment of an annual Festival of
> the Arts which would be held for the three days of Midsummer in
> Paris. Every description of cultural offering would be available
> there: the regional and courtly dances, literary contests, musical
> performances, scientific displays, lavish feasts of traditional cuisine,
> unveilings of architectural wonders. When we lift our thoughts to the arts
> and science, we ennoble our minds and hearts, making them more fitting for
> the service of France and for making immortal the glory of Le Roi.
>
> I would like to be the man to undertake these duties. Thank you for your
> consideration of my application.
>
> Yours sincerely,
> BBG le Chevalier Chretien du Penmarch
>
