Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

September 12, 1951 in Aix-en-Provence, France

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

Joëlle Léandre is a French double bass player, composer, and improviser who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on September 12, 1951, in Aix-en-Provence, France, Léandre began her musical journey at a young age. She started playing the piano at the age of nine and later switched to the double bass at the age of 16. Léandre studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where she received a first prize in double bass performance. She also studied with renowned double bass players such as François Rabbath and Joël Candelon. During her studies, Léandre became interested in contemporary music and began to explore new techniques and approaches to playing the double bass. In the early 1970s, Léandre became involved in the experimental music scene in Paris. She played with a variety of musicians, including Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, and Steve Lacy. She also became a member of the European Women's Improvising Group, which was formed in 1977 and included other female improvisers such as Maggie Nicols and Lindsay Cooper. Léandre's compositions are characterized by their experimental and avant-garde nature. She often incorporates extended techniques into her works, such as bowing the strings with a variety of objects or using the double bass as a percussion instrument. Her compositions also often feature improvisation and collaboration with other musicians. One of Léandre's most well-known works is her solo double bass piece, "No Comment," which she composed in 1981. The piece is a tour-de-force of extended techniques and unconventional playing methods. It has been performed by Léandre and other double bass players around the world and has become a staple of the contemporary double bass repertoire. Léandre has also composed works for larger ensembles, such as her 1993 piece "Les Douze Sons," which was commissioned by the French Ministry of Culture. The piece features a twelve-piece ensemble and explores the relationships between sound, space, and time. In addition to her work as a composer, Léandre is also a highly regarded improviser. She has performed with a wide range of musicians, including John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, and Fred Frith. Her improvisations are characterized by their spontaneity and unpredictability, as she often incorporates a variety of techniques and approaches into her playing. Léandre has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2002, she was awarded the Prix de la Création Musicale from the French Ministry of Culture. She has also been awarded the Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros and the Victoires de la Musique award. Today, Léandre continues to be an active performer and composer. She has released over 100 recordings and has performed at festivals and venues around the world. Her contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been significant, and she remains a highly respected and influential figure in the field.

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