ateliers
d'ethnomusicologie

Violins of Europe (Ireland, France and Cajun)

Léonard Gremaud

Europe | Instruments & repertories

Irish music boasts an enormous repertoire, so the accent will be placed on learning and interpreting the jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas that are most often played and enjoyed today in jam sessions.

The approach to Central France’s repertoire focuses on music from Auvergne and Limousin, which is built around the violin.

Classes in the Cajun tradition (where the accordion holds an important place) will also be based around the violin. Its part is often secondary to the accordion’s role and is played by two violins; one plays the melody and the other accompanies with chords.

Bio

After substantial training in classical violin with Laurent Rochat in Geneva, Leonard Gremaud was moved by the vivacity and collective understanding that poured forth in traditional European music. He decided to learn this music from reputed musicians while travelling, in workshops and by listening to recordings. He also took classes with Vanessa Lorkens, Elandir’s violinist. Léonard now belongs to the Cajun music group Bébébelge, which released its first CD in Spring 2009.

After a solid training in classical violin with Laurent Rochat in Geneva, Léonard Gremaud is touched by the liveliness, enthusiasm and collective understanding which emanate from traditional European music, or from European traditions. He decides to practice them and learns about these repertoires through contact with established musicians, through trips and training in Europe and across the Atlantic, as well as through attentive listening to recordings.

He has had the opportunity to perform on numerous occasions, in concert and in ball, with the group Bébé Belge (Cajun music). In recent years, he has multiplied his collaborations with artists from different horizons, notably in the field of “current music”, with the group Temps des Nuits and the label Cheptel Records.

PLACE :
Ateliers d'ethnomusicologie Maraîchers - 44, rue des Maraîchers - 1205 Geneva

TIMETABLE :
Thrusday,  18h-20h or on request

FEES :

60 CHF (1hour)

CONTACT :
T : 078 911 34 97
Email : matsutakes@protonmail.com

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