Leleu

A trumpet-tuba duo: what an unusual idea! At the height of the pandemic, the brothers Thomas and Romain Leleu came up with the notion of creating a unique ensemble. While virtuosity (whose Latin origin in the word virtus, at once ‘strength’ and ‘virtue’, should never be forgotten) was a given for the two musicians, who play with an astonishing rapport, they are even more fascinated by the search for the appropriate sound world for the newly minted pieces they perform. An opportunity to meet two illusionists.

The trumpet at the movies *Move *– the name of this album – is also the title of a concerto written by Baptiste Trotignon and here receiving its recording premiere; the work pays tribute to major composers of film music, whose iconic scores form the backdrop in this “audiofilm” starring the trumpet of Romain Leleu.

Romain Leleu and his musical partner Julien Gernay, captivated by the sounds of the unique instruments in the Musée de la musique, invite us on a whirlwind tour around the land of the French trumpet and cornet. Other musicians have joined them to add a touch of horn and trombone to these pieces, whether originals or transcriptions of emblematic works from a ‘Belle Époque’ indeed!

For Romain Leleu, what we call “classical” music could never have gained all its richness and variety without absorbing manifold influences from “popular” music that continues to be its fuel since the dawn of time! Parallel to the release of his album of film music prominently featuring the trumpet, the French virtuoso, backed by his friends and partners in the Romain Leleu Sextet, has brought into a face to face dialogue a selection of hit tunes from far-flung sources that transcend genres and national borders.

The year 1919: A point in time, European countries, a young woman, a young man and an elderly gentleman. This is the musical triptych that Marion Leleu and pianist Bertrand Giraud, who plays the wonderful grand piano Opus 102 by Stephen Paulello, have chosen for our CD. These three composers could scarcely be more different, whether in their social situation, their geographical background, or their psychological make-up.

Awarded 'Instrumental Soloist Revelation of the Year' in 2009, by Victoires de la Musique Classique, Romain Leleu is an ambassador for the trumpet all over the world. His personality, generosity and talent enable him to make his instrument better known to a broad public, whether in traditional repertoire, transcriptions or the new commissions to which he gives rise.

'The man who is restoring the trumpet's prestige' is how Télérama described Romain Leleu, both a worthy representative of the purest tradition of the French trumpet school and a musician-adventurer, always ready to explore new universes.