Le Vaisseau d’Art

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Le Vaisseau d’Art

Dialogues – piano et violoncelle

Centre Saint-Romuald, 500, rue Saint-Hilaire, Farnham

This concert explores the duality of two titanic masterpieces for cello and piano, from the pen of a woman and a man born thirteen years apart, both virtuosic instrumentalists but with surprisingly distinct musical voices. Centred on works dear to the musicians, it is a bridge between two worlds, a conversation between two instruments and two composers, a dialogue between artists and the public.

Rachmaninov is considered by some to be the pinnacle of the romantic era; his lush melodies and undisguised sentimentalism are coloured with surprisingly progressive harmonies that sometimes sound very close to jazz. His sonata, though probably better known than Clarke’s, is still largely overshadowed by his orchestral and solo piano works. Written in the same year as the famous Concerto n° 2 for piano, this work heralds Rachmaninoff’s return to composition after a period of crippling depression following the unfavourable reception of his first symphony in 1897.

Clarke, an internationally renowned violist, is often considered a composer of «English Impressionism», and if the 1919 Sonata recalls works by Debussy and Ravel, it is also openly romantic. Clarke’s work follows a similar renaissance three years after she moved to the US, having been denied by her abusive father. It is interesting to note that both works begin with a rhapsodic and improvised introduction which leads to a more rhythmic exhibition. They are each composer’s only foray into the genre of duet sonata, representing both a conclusive experience and a masterpiece.

At this concert, we will also hear a brand new creation by the Quebec composer Christian Thomas.

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Le Vaisseau d’Art

Ciné concert et orgue: Le cuirassé Potemkine

Centre Saint-Romuald, 500, rue Saint-Hilaire, Farnham

The battleship Potemkin is 100 years old! This masterpiece of silent cinema by Sergei Eisenstein depicts the mutiny of sailors on the famous battleship in 1905, followed by the bloody repression of the tsar’s armies. A poignant, historic film that still holds its breath a century later.
Synopsis: When fed rancid meat, the sailors of the Potemkin revolt against their difficult living conditions. Led by Vakulinchuk, the sailors kill the officers of the ship to obtain their freedom. Vakulinchuk is also killed, and the people of Odessa honor him as a symbol of the revolution. But the arrival of tsarist soldiers will change the course of the uprising.

Ciné-concert with live improvised accompaniment to the organ by Guillaume Martineau

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Le Vaisseau d’Art

Ciné-Concert et orgue: Chaplin et La Ruée vers l’or

Centre Saint-Romuald, 500, rue Saint-Hilaire, Farnham

In this great silent film classic, which celebrates its centenary in 2025, Charlie Chaplin plays a vagabond taking part in an expedition to the north in hopes of making a fortune. The blizzard will overcome its illusions, unless a glimmer of hope awaits somewhere…
Synopsis: In this classic silent comedy, a tramp played by Charlie Chaplin goes north to participate in the Klondike gold rush. Trapped in a small hut by a blizzard, he is forced to share his life with a rich prospector and a fugitive. He then wanders from one adventure to another, seeking sometimes wealth, sometimes love.

Ciné-concert with live improvised accompaniment to the organ by Guillaume Martineau.

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Le Vaisseau d’Art

Matinée musicale – des croissants et des orgues

Centre Saint-Romuald, 500, rue Saint-Hilaire, Farnham

The musical matinees are suitable for everyone, from preschool to the golden age through the prime of the year, at a meeting time around a croissant coffee to the sound of the organ. An invitation to relax, meditate or discuss and marvel.

Entry possible at any time between 10:00 and 11:30.

Complimentary hot and cold drinks on site.

Performance on organ and piano by Karine Bétournay