Pierre Henry: The Art of Sounds (Juxtapositions Series)

UPC: 899132000435

Product Features

• Title: Pierre Henry: The Art of Sounds (Pierre Henry ou l’art des sons)
• Directors and Writers: Eric Darmon, Franck Mallet
• Language Options: English, French, German
• Publisher: Idéale Audience
• Region Code: All zones (NTSC format)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
• Total Runtime: 109 minutes
• Extras: Includes performance and rehearsal footage of Veil of Orpheus by Pierre Henry, filmed at La Cité de la Musique, Paris (2003)
• Additional Content: 13-page booklet with an essay, discography, biographies, and photos

Overview

Pierre Henry: The Art of Sounds is an in-depth exploration of the life and revolutionary work of Pierre Henry, a pioneering figure in electronic and experimental music. Known for co-creating Musique concrète with Pierre Schaeffer in the 1950s, Henry redefined music by constructing compositions from environmental sounds and noises rather than traditional musical notes. This innovative approach led to iconic works such as Symphonie pour un homme seul, Messe pour le temps présent, and Dixième Remix.

In this documentary, directors Eric Darmon and Franck Mallet guide the viewer through Pierre Henry’s creative world as he explores Paris with his unique recording apparatus. Through historic footage and scenes of modern interactions, the film revisits key moments in his career and influence, including a rare 1960s “Concert couché” in Bordeaux. The DVD includes a comprehensive booklet with insightful essays, discographies, and biographies, making it a rich resource for those interested in the avant-garde music movement and Henry’s groundbreaking techniques.

Interesting Facts

• Musique Concrète: Henry’s Musique concrète style used sounds from everyday life, recorded, edited, and manipulated to create entirely new compositions. This method broke traditional barriers in music and inspired a generation of electronic musicians.
• Global Influence: His works remain popular among modern electronic DJs and musicians who view him as a trailblazer in sound design and digital composition.
• Cultural Impact: One of his most famous works, Messe pour le temps présent, composed with Michel Colombier, gained iconic status and brought experimental music to the forefront of popular culture in the 1960s.
• Comprehensive Extras: The DVD includes rare archival footage from a 1953 concert rehearsal, alongside contemporary reflections on the impact of Henry's artistry.

Publisher

Idéale Audience

Idéale Audience is known for producing high-quality films that celebrate the work of influential composers and musicians, combining insightful direction with rich, archival content. Their Juxtapositions series focuses on luminaries in contemporary and classical music, showcasing unique performances and in-depth explorations of musical innovation.

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