Francois Delsarte
Early Life
Francois Delsarte was born in Solesmes, Nord, in France, on November 19, 1811. His father was a physician, and his mother was a talented musician. From an early age, Delsarte showed a strong inclination towards music and was encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion. He studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was trained in music, dance, and drama.
Career
Delsarte's career began as a singer, but he experienced vocal problems that threatened to end his singing career prematurely. This led him to study the human voice and the principles of sound production, which eventually resulted in the development of the Delsarte System of Expression.
This system, which emphasizes the relationship between human emotion and physical expression, became highly influential in the fields of dance, acting, and public speaking. It was based on his observation of human behavior and his belief that certain movements and gestures corresponded to specific human emotions.
Delsarte's system was not only used by performers to enhance their performances but also by educators to improve their teaching methods. His system was also adopted by psychologists and physiologists in their study of human behavior and emotion.
Delsarte System of Expression
The Delsarte System of Expression is a comprehensive and detailed method that aims to enhance the performer's ability to express emotions through physical movements and gestures. It is divided into three main components: the laws of rest, the laws of motion, and the laws of composition.
The laws of rest pertain to the performer's posture and stance. The laws of motion deal with the performer's movements and gestures. The laws of composition, on the other hand, involve the combination of rest and motion to create a harmonious and expressive performance.
Delsarte's system also includes the study of facial expressions and the use of the voice. It emphasizes the importance of synchronizing the movements of the body with the emotions that the performer wants to convey.
Influence and Legacy
Francois Delsarte's influence extends beyond the realm of performing arts. His system has also been used in the field of psychology to study human behavior and emotion. It has also been adopted by educators to improve their teaching methods.
Delsarte's system has also influenced various forms of bodywork and movement therapies, including the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method.
Despite the criticism that his system received for being overly mechanical and lacking in spontaneity, Delsarte's contribution to the performing arts and other fields cannot be denied. His system continues to be studied and used in various disciplines, proving the lasting impact of his work.