Release date is 2014-11-20

Produced by Annemie Arnst, Madeleine Fournier and Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Bodleian Library in Oxford.)

"Le collier des jours: Le troisième rang du collier" by Judith Gautier is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a group of enthusiastic French admirers of Richard Wagner as they travel to Lucerne to meet the composer for the first time, reflecting their intense emotions and anticipations surrounding this encounter. It vividly portrays the excitement of the main character, Judith, and her companions as they journey through beautiful Swiss landscapes, delving into their passion for Wagner's music. The opening of the novel begins with a tranquil train ride, where a group of French literary figures, including Villiers de l'Isle-Adam, expresses their impatience due to the leisurely pace of the train as they approach Lucerne. They are brimming with excitement and anxiety about seeing Wagner, a figure they idolize, and their discussions reveal their intense devotion to his music. As the train progresses, the anticipation grows, blending nostalgia for the past and exuberance for the meeting ahead. Judith's memories illustrate not only her admiration for Wagner but also her own role in promoting his work, underscoring the novel's exploration of art, friendship, and the transformative power of music. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified