Les Sauvages (The Savages) is the fourth and last entrée from Les Indes galantes(The Amorous Indies), an Opéra-ballet with a prologue and initially two entrées written by the French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. In 1725, French settlers in Illinois sent Chief Agapit Chicagou of the Mitchigamea and five other chiefs to Paris. On 25 November 1725, they met with King Louis XV. Chicagou had a letter read pledging allegiance to the crown. They later danced three kinds of dances in the Théâtre-Italien, inspiring Rameau to compose his rondeau Les Sauvages.
Les Sauvages: Sixth Piece from Suite in G major/G minor
Before to be used as the fourth and last entrée from Les Indes galantes, Les Sauvages was the sixth piece from Rameau’s Suite in G major/G minor for harpsichord (Nouvelles Suites de Pièces de Clavecin).
Forêts paisibles, Jamais un vain désir ne trouble ici nos cœurs. S’ils sont sensibles, Fortune, ce n’est pas au prix de tes faveurs.
(Chœur des sauvages): Forêts paisibles, Jamais un vain désir ne trouble ici nos cœurs. S’ils sont sensibles, Fortune, ce n’est pas au prix de tes faveurs.
Dans nos retraites, Grandeur, ne viens jamais offrir de tes faux attraits! Ciel, tu les as faites pour l’innocence et pour la paix.
Jouissons dans nos asiles, Jouissons des biens tranquilles! Ah! Peut-on être heureux, Quand on forme d’autres vœux?
English
Peaceful forests, Never does a vain desire trouble our hearts here. If they are sensitive, Fortune, it is not at the cost of your favors.
(Chorus of savages): Peaceful forests, Never does a vain desire trouble our hearts here. If they are sensitive, Fortune, it is not at the cost of your favors
In our retreats, Greatness, never comes offering your false attractions! Heaven, you have made them for innocence and peace.
Let us enjoy ourselves in our shelters, Let us enjoy our tranquil places! Ah! Can we be happy, When we have other wishes?
