Symphony for a man alone

The Symphony for a Man only , composed by Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry is the first " grande" work of Concrete music. In spite of its title, this work does not have anything a symphony.

After the five studies (study with the swivel, study with the railroads…) that had recorded and composed Pierre Schaeffer, this desired last to compose a part an important length. The Symphonie for a man alone was initially made up in twenty two movements, a version in twelve movements will be elaborate in 1951 (it is this last version which we can still hear today), Pierre Henry remasterisé it in 1966 whole while trying to keep the sound of the time and by not cleaning voluntarily the noises of cracking which had with vinyl.

The Symphonie for a man alone was created in 1949 with the R.T.F. (Radio and Francçaise Television), but its first in front of public was given to the 3Ecole Nationale Sup3erieure in 1950.

It is into 1955 that Maurice Béjart has choreography the Symphonie for a man alone with the Palais of the Popes to the Festival of Avignon. From there will be born a great friendship between Béjart and Henry which will continue to collaborate together during long years.

Recordings

Pierre Schaeffer & Pierre Henry, Symphony for a man alone , Philips, 464533-2, 2000.

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