Jean Girard

In this new release, Vincent Dumestre’s Le Poème Harmonique once again immerses us in the France of the second half of the 16th century, which witnessed the emergence of new centres of artistic activity. These ‘bourgeois’ societies were initiated by patron princes concerned with building their prestige through the arts and letters just as much as by arms. At the same time, refined circles held by cultivated women enabled them to rub shoulders with the leading poets of the time, as well as musicians sensitive to humanist research, all profiting from a context propitious to the invention of new artistic forms and practices.

Live performances by one of Europe's most respected cellists are featured on PIERRE FOURNIER. Fournier became well-known throughout the world after the Second World War for his skill on the cello, and was particularly praised for his bowing technique. With this collection of recorded performances from Fournier's prime, latter-day audiences are afforded the opportunity to watch the cellist's technical skill as well as appreciate the low, melodious sound of his instrument.

Achille-Claude Debussy (22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) was a French composer. Alongside Maurice Ravel he was one of the most prominent figures associated with Impressionist music, although Debussy disliked the term when applied to his compositions. He was made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1903. He was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his use of non-traditional scales and chromaticism influenced many composers who followed. Debussy's music is noted for its sensory content and frequent use of nontraditional tonalities. The prominent French literary style of his period was known as Symbolism, and this movement directly inspired Debussy both as a composer and as an active cultural participant.

Depuis l'ère de l’uniformité. Depuis l’ère de la solitude et de la doublepensée. Depuis l’ère de Big Brother… Moi, Winston Smith. Je vous salue…