Serge Lancen

Le Mont St.Michel

Serge Lancen (Paris 1922) undoubtedly belongs to the top of contemporary European wind music composers. His MANHATTAN SYMPHONY (1962), CAP KENNEDY (1970), SYMPHONIE DE L'EAU (1986) and MISSA SOLEMNIS (1989) are now part of the classical modern symphonic band repertoire. Lancen always writes in the French tradition and is often inspired by folkore, the beauty of the French landscapes and even the great architectural monuments of his country. In this fine suite of four symphonic sketches he was inspired by the splendid site of the 'MONT SAINT-MICHEL'. The work dates from 1976 and was premiered by the French National Police band, conducted by Pierre Bigot, at a concert in the Paris 'Palais des Congrès' on May the 4th 1977. It evokes the splendour of one of Western Europe's great monumental abbeys.The mount arises amidst a symphony of mist and sand; the visitor goes through the main gate and enters the medieval town. He walks up to the abbey church and discovers the magnificent panorama. He recovers some time in an unexpected patch of green and admires the mighty fortress. Finally he reaches the actual abbey and visits the inspiring church and the sober refectory. At sunset, the abbey complex casts fanciful shadows on the beach and soon, in the light of the spots, the spire with the Archangel Michael lits up, high above the sea and the sand, right on the border between Normandy and Brittany.