Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Musique Vivante is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1966 by the French composer and conductor Diego Masson. The ensemble is known for its innovative approach to classical music, incorporating elements of improvisation and experimentation into its performances. Diego Masson, who was born in France in 1935, studied composition and conducting at the Paris Conservatory. He was influenced by the avant-garde music of the 20th century, particularly the works of Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. In 1966, Masson founded Ensemble Musique Vivante as a way to explore new approaches to classical music. The ensemble's early members included some of the most talented young musicians in France, including the pianist Claude Helffer, the flutist Marius Constant, and the cellist André Lévy. These musicians shared Masson's interest in experimentation and improvisation, and they quickly developed a reputation for their innovative performances. One of the ensemble's early highlights was a performance of Masson's own composition, "L'Atelier du Peintre," at the Festival d'Automne in Paris in 1967. The piece was a multimedia work that combined music, dance, and visual art, and it was hailed as a groundbreaking achievement. Over the years, Ensemble Musique Vivante continued to push the boundaries of classical music, collaborating with artists from a wide range of disciplines and incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and world music into their performances. The ensemble also became known for its commitment to contemporary music, commissioning and premiering works by some of the most important composers of the 20th century, including Luciano Berio, György Ligeti, and Iannis Xenakis. In addition to their innovative performances, Ensemble Musique Vivante also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1972, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix National de la Musique by the French Ministry of Culture, and in 1980, they received the Prix Italia for their radio production of Berio's "Laborintus II." One of the ensemble's most memorable performances took place in 1982, when they collaborated with the American composer and saxophonist Steve Lacy on a concert at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. The concert featured Lacy's compositions for jazz quartet and string quartet, and it was hailed as a groundbreaking fusion of jazz and classical music. Ensemble Musique Vivante continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating with a wide range of artists and continuing to push the boundaries of classical music. In 2001, the ensemble celebrated its 35th anniversary with a concert at the Cité de la Musique in Paris, featuring works by Berio, Ligeti, and Xenakis. Today, Ensemble Musique Vivante continues to be a leading force in the world of classical music, with a reputation for innovative and boundary-pushing performances. The ensemble's current members include some of the most talented musicians in France, including the pianist Jean-Pierre Collot, the cellist Pierre Strauch, and the percussionist Jean-Pierre Drouet. Ensemble Musique Vivante's legacy is one of innovation, experimentation, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music. Through their groundbreaking performances and collaborations, the ensemble has inspired generations of musicians and audiences, and their influence can be felt throughout the world of classical music today.

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