Matthieu Fortin and Vincent Ranallo perform O Mensch! (Inventaire raisonné de quelques passions Nietzschéennes) by Pascal Dusapin.

Pre-concert event at 7:15 pm with Maxime McKinley

Renowned baritone Vincent Ranallo and pianist Matthieu Fortin will present O Mensch cycle by French composer Pascal Dusapin, based on Nietzsche’s texts. In the tradition of the most beautiful song cycles, O Mensch indeed distinguishes itself through its sensitivity and French romanticism, blended with the incomparable beauty of German lyricism. Along the lines of Franz Schubert’s Voyage d’hiver, via its depth and emergent emotionality, this work distinguishes itself through a purity divested of any subtlety. The composer, through a total control of the melody, truly manages to create a tour de force that extracts the essential elements, offering us a moment of absolute musical perfection.

Highlighting the most varied themes of Nietzsche’s poems, this carefully nurtured work returns us to the quintessence of music. The composer took several years to create his own version of Nietzsche, 27 pieces, including 4 interludes for solo piano. He invites the public to join him in a true poetic walk where many differing themes intersect, such as humanity, night, death, despair, love, secrets, Richard Wagner and more.

The unique voice and great sensitivity of Montreal baritone Vincent Ranallo will transmit the finest nuances of the work along with its introspectiveness. He will be accompanied by pianist Matthieu Fortin, for an intimate recital which will recall the French salons of the 19th century, while a sober, simple staging emphasizes the music.

In short, this concert provides a beautiful and unique opportunity to discover an major vocal work for baritone in particular and for contemporary lyricism in général.