The Quatuor Hermès, a string quartet featured on this album, is named after the messenger in Greek mythology, reflecting their role as a bridge between the composer's text and the audience.
Instruments
Félicien Brut plays a Gadgi accordion, while Élise Liu plays a 1726 David Tecchler violin and Omer Bouchez plays a 1796 Joseph Gagliano violin.
Performer Biography
Félicien Brut, the accordionist on this album, initially focused on folk and musette music before winning three major international accordion competitions in 2007, which sparked his interest in classical repertoire.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The project's main theme was to honor Beethoven's genius by commissioning new creations for the future, rather than solely focusing on his past works.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Neuf" (Nine) refers to Beethoven's nine symphonies, the nine contemporary compositions, and the nine letters in both "Beethoven" and "Accordion."
Performer Biography
Édouard Macarez, the double bassist, joined the French National Orchestra in Lille at 19 and three years later became a double bass soloist with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra.
Composition History
The album was conceived by accordionist Félicien Brut at the request of René Martin, director of the Folle Journée classical music festival in Nantes, to celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday.
