In recent years, the Haitian Creole song “​Lisette quitté la plaine” has become a major part of baritone/scholar Jean-Bernard Cerin’s professional life. In this episode of SalonEra, Jean-Bernard traces the history of this song text and explores how the song shifts in meaning as it travels around the globe and is transformed by different musical communities. Through Jean-Bernard, “Lisette” becomes a lens through which we can explore the dynamic, fraught history of Haiti and its occupiers.

Episodes stream free from their premiere date thru June 30, 2023 at salonera.org/watch-now. Or listen to the audio-only version of this episode on the SalonEra podcast, available on all platforms!