French Explorations 1922–25

The post-war period of 1920s France has been referred to by historians as “Les années folles” – the crazy years – in reference to the decade’s many social, artistic, and cultural developments. It was the birth of “cafe” society, whereby meetings in cafes developed a thriving literary and arts scene, as well as many pivotal artist movements. Classical music also saw many changes throughout this time, equally influenced by jazz and theater as well as more intellectual exploits into atonality. Tonight’s program looks at two pieces of music written in France between 1922 and 1925, by contemporaries Albert Roussel and Maurive Ravel. The hour also includes a work by Belgian musician from that same time period – Joseph Jongen.