Overview
In 1889, Paris held its third “Exposition Universelle”, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. One of the most significant musical consequences of that exposition was the introduction of Oriental soundscapes to French culture, a soundscape that was then absorbed and assimilated into French music by the likes of Debussy and Ravel. In fact, ever since the Revolution the French had been at the forefront of artistic innovation, absorbing everything that came their way - look at their craze for Japanese prints from the mid-19th century that so influenced Vincent van Gogh, or the success of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in the early 20th century, which brought us the iconic The Rite of Spring.
In this concert, the TimeCrafters and French-Asian pianist Clémentine Grimault bring together a programme of music that showcases this remarkable spirit of assimilation in French culture, including works by the aforementioned Debussy and Ravel, and also composers of later generations such as Poulenc and Messiaen. Given that French culture is often recognised as a beacon of the avant-garde, the programme also features music that takes after this French model by the Greek architect-turned-composer Xenakis and the late Toru Takemitsu.
Le French May Associated Project
Production / Artist
