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"Ah vous dirai je maman" Variations for Harp (Henry)

from Solo by Valérie Milot

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The programme on this disc concludes with a playful piece, composed by Bénigne Henry, an early-19th-century musician about whom little is known. One may assume that he was a harpist, since he composed several pieces for that instrument. This particular piece focuses on a popular French children's song, Ah! vous dirai-je maman, familiar to many from the theme and variations composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Henry recreated this exercise and varied the theme in all sorts of ways, highlighting the different techniques and possibilities of the harp. I remember a tender moment in the company of friends from my hometown, Trois-Rivières, when I was invited to give a private recital at a birthday celebration. One of the audience members, four-year-old Gabriel, gave expression to the character and energy of each variation with the most touching purity. Whenever I perform this piece, I recall that precious moment when music expressed one of its greatest virtues: its ability to bring people together in the simple and shared enjoyment of a sincere connection. At times like these, you suddenly understand exactly why you put in years of relentless work and made so many sacrifices to become a professional musician.

Le programme de ce disque se termine par une pièce ludique, composée par un mystérieux Bénigne Henry, probablement harpiste, ayant dédié quelques œuvres à la harpe au début du 19e siècle. Cette pièce expose la célèbre mélodie enfantine Ah! vous dirai-je maman, connue grâce à un thème et variations réalisé par Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Henry a refait cet exercice en variant le même thème de toutes sortes de manières, exposant différentes techniques et possibilités de la harpe. J’ai souvenir d’un doux moment en compagnie d’amis trifluviens, où j’étais invitée à donner un court récital privé pour un anniversaire. Le jeune Gabriel, âgé de quatre ans à cette époque, traduisait le caractère et l’énergie de chaque variation avec une pureté très touchante. À chaque interprétation de cette pièce, je me remémore ce moment précieux où la musique a exprimé l’une de ses grandes vertus: unir des gens simplement, dans une joie communicative sincère. Il y a de ces moments où les heures de travail acharné et les sacrifices qui mènent à une carrière de musicien prennent subitement tout leur sens.

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from Solo, released April 21, 2020

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Valérie Milot Montreal, Québec

Valérie Milot, a harpist with the soul of a rebel, knows how to make her art accessible. A sought-after soloist, Valérie performs in numerous concerts with prestigious orchestras. Beginning with the 2008 Prix d'Europe, she has won countless awards. More on www.valeriemilot.com ... more

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