Jean-François Michel

Fantaisie

The tonal combination of organ and brass band offers an extraordinary medium of expression. Jean-Baptiste Lully, court conductor under Louis XIV, composed a brilliant and majestic march for his ballet comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. This now emblematic theme inspired Jean-François Michel to create an imaginative overture. From the very first bars, an original introduction creates a solemn, theatrical atmosphere. Lully's famous march is then entrusted to the brass band in all its baroque splendor. The organ - sometimes accompanist, sometimes soloist, sometimes ornamentation artist - enriches the sound texture with radiant brilliance. Virtuoso interludes punctuate the work and highlight the organist's agility and creativity. At a key moment, the organ itself takes over a section of the theme in a sophisticated reinterpretation. The tutti passages unite both orchestras in a powerful, festive fusion. Jean-François Michel strikes a successful balance here between historical respect and modern freedom. The free structure of the fantasia allows for an alternation of contrasting episodes while maintaining a strong stylistic unity. This work thus offers a spectacular reinterpretation of Lully, full of elegance and energy. It is emphatically establishing itself in the contemporary repertoire for organ and brass ensemble. Festive, colorful and sophisticated - it will delight performers and audiences alike.