The Unfortunate Teacher of Musical Theory 1840

Editor: So, this is Frédéric Bouchot’s “The Unfortunate Teacher of Musical Theory” from 1840, a lithograph drawing. It strikes me as funny, but also a bit sad. I mean, look at the poor teacher's face! What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious comedic frustration? Curator: Ah, yes! The beleaguered professor. For me, it’s a beautiful example of how caricature can be a surprisingly insightful window into human emotion, right? He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place... or rather, a piano and two less-than-angelic pupils! Notice how Bouchot uses exaggeration to highlight the tension: the teacher’s furrowed brow, the students’ strained expressions. It’s all delightfully melodramatic, isn’t it? I imagine a dreadful atonal squawking echoing through the room. Does it make you think about anyone you know? Editor: Absolutely! My piano teacher in grade school had that same exasperated look…only my teacher did not have to do his best under the weight of such horrible, puffed-sleeve monstrosities for girls. Did children really dress like that in 1840s? Curator: Styles could get pretty out there. I find myself wondering what kind of music they were attempting to play! What do you imagine their lesson sounds like? Off-key, screeching, maybe a few missed notes that ring into next Tuesday? Perhaps, the beauty of it all, is not merely what’s seen on the page, but felt when viewing it. I feel, in my mind, all the terrible practice, that happened before any real song comes through the notes. Editor: This image has made me feel much more sympathetic towards teachers, particularly piano teachers. Next time, I will cut them some slack for pushing students in such peculiar era pieces. Curator: Indeed! Maybe we should all buy our childhood music teachers some coffee and a sincere ‘thank you!’ Let’s appreciate the dedication involved, both on the part of the teacher, and for students during musical development and history.