artpress Homage to Pierre Boulez on New Book Publication
Artpress pays tribute to Pierre Boulez (1925-2016) through a newly released collection of his dialogues with Michel Archimbaud, brought out by Gallimard. In this work, Jean-Philippe Guinle delves into Boulez's artistic evolution, personality, and collaborations. Despite facing unjust critiques, Boulez staunchly upheld his rigorous musical ideals, challenging the inertia in French music. He championed serialism, openly critiqued his mentor Olivier Messiaen, and created early masterpieces, including three piano sonatas and Le Marteau sans maître. His conducting career emerged from necessity, highlighted by a significant performance of Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1965. Boulez also established the Ensemble intercontemporain and IRCAM to advance contemporary music, drawing inspiration from Paul Klee's innovative spirit.
Key facts
- Pierre Boulez died in 2016.
- A collection of his conversations with Michel Archimbaud was published by Gallimard in 2016.
- Boulez was criticized for his irascible character and alleged love of power.
- He rebelled against French music that ignored Schönberg and Berg.
- He chose serial music without sectarianism and criticized Olivier Messiaen and Jean Barraqué.
- His early masterpieces include three piano sonatas and Le Marteau sans maître.
- He was guided by the poetry of René Char.
- He conducted Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1965 and the Ring cycle centenary in 1976 with Patrice Chéreau.
- He founded the Ensemble intercontemporain and IRCAM.
- The Philharmonie hall was desired by Camille Saint-Saëns in the early 20th century.
- Boulez admired Paul Klee for his perpetual renewal.
- He embraced the motto 'Ways, not works' from Heidegger.
- He sought the 'fertile country' in his book on Klee.
Entities
Artists
- Pierre Boulez
- Michel Archimbaud
- Jean-Philippe Guinle
- Catherine Millet
- Paul Klee
- Jean Beaufret
- François Michel
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Arnold Schönberg
- Alban Berg
- Darius Milhaud
- Francis Poulenc
- René Leibowitz
- Olivier Messiaen
- Jean Barraqué
- René Char
- Charles Baudelaire
- Richard Wagner
- Patrice Chéreau
- Camille Saint-Saëns
- Martin Heidegger
- Jean-Philippe Rameau
- Georges Bernanos
- Roger Désormière
- Charles Munch
Institutions
- artpress
- Gallimard
- Ensemble intercontemporain
- IRCAM
- Philharmonie de Paris
- Bayreuth Festival
- Domaine musical
- Musica (revue)
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Bayreuth
- Germany
Sources
- artpress —