A lively, picturesque programme showcasing a wide variety of pieces that perfectly reflect the French spirit of the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Debussy's famous Petite Suite, offers the refined sonorities so typical of the period. Written in the form of a "suite", this composition evokes the old style of writing and links together a series of short pieces with contrasting characters. Originally written for the piano, these pieces reveal, thanks to the wind instruments, a rich palette of colours. As he himself wrote about his music, Debussy "modestly seeks only to please", offering his audience the simple pleasure of listening. Another great master of French music, Maurice Ravel, also explored the old suite form with Le tombeau de Couperin. This piece is a lively tribute to 18th century French music, quoting Couperin in the introductory prelude. Alongside these famous works of French music, Paul Taffanel's Wind Quintet occupies a special place. The writing is clear and sparkling with virtuosity passed from instrument to instrument with the greatest of ease. In addition to composing, this artist conducted some of the greatest orchestras of his time. A great flautist in his own right, he founded the "Société française de musique de chambre pour instruments à vent". He raised this piece to the summit of the quintet repertoire, an authentic masterpiece of wind music. 

A tribute to the French spirit!

Text from Sophie Gaillot Miczka