On January 26, 2024, a centuries-old melody echoed within the Saint-Julien Cathedral in Le Mans during the city’s biennial music festival. The occasion marked the first time in over seven hundred years that the shrill sound of the musical chessboard was heard by human ears. Though written traces and studies on this ancient instrument exist in Latin texts, its true form and sound were lost in history until now.

A New Life for the Enigmatic Instrument

The musical chessboard finds its mention amongst other instruments from the 14th century as “the English chessboard” in the works of Guillaume de Machaut, a composer and canon from Reims. Despite such mentions, very little was known about this enigmatic instrument prior to its recent revival at the hands of Maël Robichon, an ancient keyboard maker based at La Gacilly. Robichon vividly brought the instrument back to life through his intuitive craftsmanship during the Le Mans biennial sound festival, which spanned from January 20-28 and featured multiple celebrated musicians like Jean-Michel Jarre and Jeff Mills.

• The festival’s third edition saw electroacoustic musicians, sound designers, and many other performers come together.
• After witnessing the resurrection of the long-lost musical chessboard, speculations suggest its use remained steady across various kingdoms before it disappeared from the scene.

Medieval Iconography Deciphered

In order to reconstruct the musical chessboard, Robichon had to rely on the instrument’s iconographic representation. He explains, “We see, for example, angels playing it on their knees so we know it’s rather light. We see that it’s the size of two shoulders. From there, we deduce lengths, number of keys, pitch.” Working with such vague details, Robichon crafted a square box similar in size to a toy and brought forth a sound that had been unheard for centuries.

Solving the Puzzle of the Musical Chessboard

Robichon not only constructed the musical chessboard but also breathed life into its long-forgotten melodies within the framework of the Le Mans biennial festival. The instrument’s unique sound has intrigued both historians and musicians alike, as they now try to decipher the role it played during medieval times. Although further research and analysis are necessary to uncover more about this captivating lost treasure from history, Robichon’s contribution undoubtedly marks the beginning of an exciting journey into understanding the enigmatic instrument of the past – the musical chessboard.

A Talented Musician Brings Medieval Music Back to Life

As a pianist and double bass player trained at the Nantes conservatory, Maël Robichon is well known for his expertise in ancient lutherie. While reconstructing the clavicymbalum—a predecessor of the harpsichord—he relied on a detailed Latin manuscript by 15th-century scholar Henri Arnault de Zwolle. Being an organist himself, he embarked on recreating another ancient instrument, the musical chessboard, which in turn prompted the larger historical community to better understand the past through these culturally significant artifacts.

Rediscovering a Lost Art

The revival of the musical chessboard constitutes a fascinating leap forward in preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage. Through talented artisans like Robichon and events like Le Mans’ biennial music festival, creative individuals worldwide will continue to breathe new life into the forgotten arts and cultures. This resurgence is vital in keeping history alive and introducing the beauty of ancient art forms to future generations.

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In 1977, a small village in Sarthe, Chantenay-Villedieu, became the birthplace of Les Allumés du Jazz – a passionate association and festival dedicated to avant-garde jazz. The event was organized by Jean Rochard, who was born in the village on April 1st, 1957. Over the years, the festival has grown from a local gathering to an influential force for European and American avant-garde jazz music.

Jean Rochard’s Label nato: A Platform for Unique Artists

In 1980, Rochard founded his own label, nato, which has gone on to host nearly 200 references. Some of the noteworthy artists who have graced its catalog include Catherine Delaunay and resident pianist Tony Hymas. On special occasions, the audience at nato events is treated to unique performances like François Corneloup’s group Le Peuple Etincelle, which combines jazz with dancing.

Les Allumés du Jazz – United by Passion and Creativity

• An association based on principles and shared goals
• A collective mindset for jazz lovers and creators
• Fostering connectivity between producers, musicians, and studios

The idea behind Les Allumés du Jazz started in a small Chinese restaurant in Belleville, Paris. According to Rochard, the association aims to be a space where everyone can bring their questions and anxieties, including employees Clémence and Aurel.

With his vast memory of jazz history, Rochard recalled how the association began as a way to distribute funds from the Ministry of Culture. The ministry had earmarked some money for jazz record productions that were often overlooked, and rather than fight amongst themselves for the limited resources, these like-minded individuals decided to band together.

Today, Les Allumés du Jazz boasts about a hundred members, including classic producers, musicians, festivals, and studios who have launched their own record labels. The central question they all collectively explore is “Recording music, for what purpose?”

The Fire in Les Allumés – Championing the Unique Atmosphere of Jazz Music

Les Allumés – which translates to “enthusiasts” – is an organization that truly embodies the spirit of spontaneous energy and creativity inherent in jazz music. Fueled by passion and collaboration, the movement represents an alliance between water and fire, described as a tireless pursuit to “rekindle the stars“. Inspired by Guillaume Apollinaire’s famous line, this vision captures both the disorder and the joy embedded deep within jazz.

Tackling Challenges Head-On and Embracing Collaboration

• Pooling resources to create bigger platforms for independent jazz creations
• Shifting priorities from individual projects to collective enrichment
• Bridging gaps between different aspects of the jazz industry

In an industry notorious for fragmentation and individualism, Les Allumés du Jazz has managed to carve out an essential space for artists and other industry professionals to come together. The organization connects people who are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of jazz and ensuring its continued presence on the global cultural stage.

A Contemporary Revival: Keeping the Flame Alive in Modern Jazz

Despite the many challenges facing jazz in today’s ever-changing music market, Les Allumés du Jazz continues to be a thriving hub where artists, studio heads, producers, and fans can gather together in pursuit of their shared passions.

• Create opportunities for exposure through events and festivals
• Build an extensive network within the industry to provide resources and support
• Keep the spirit of avant-garde and experimental jazz alive

Rochard’s dedication and tireless enthusiasm have helped to sustain Les Allumés du Jazz through changing times. By creating spaces for collaboration, fostering unity among different segments of the industry, and championing innovative sounds, the organization has become a beacon for those looking to rekindle the fire that fuels modern jazz.

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From Stands to Conferences: A Revamped Format for MIDƐM + 24

Gone are the days when networking and deals were done amidst stands and exhibitions; for MIDƐM + 24, organizers decided on a fresh approach that saw conferences workshops, and a digital application take over. With the support of Cannes City Hall, they aimed to breathe new life into this iconic event while continuing its tradition of uniting key players in the industry to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Exploring the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on the Music Industry

Emerging AI technology was a central focus of conversations during the three-day meet, with many influential figures weighing in on the risks and rewards of the rapidly advancing field. Renowned musician Jean-Michel Jarre argued that while AI in music is still a relatively nascent concept, it should not be feared. Instead, the composer asserted that AI tools are primitive at present but are far more developed for writing and image processing.

On the other hand, Stewart Copeland humorously remarked, “We are screwed,” summing up the thoughts of many who worry about how AI will affect the creative process. Despite the variety of perspectives, all agreed that monitoring AI’s progression remains crucial to understanding its potential impacts on musicians and composers.

An Industry-Wide Push for Better Artist Compensation and Sound Quality

• Limiting noise tracks: Professionals shared their desire to find ways to limit ‘noise tracks’ or generic background music, which can devalue compositions and reduce listening quality.
• Prioritizing sound quality: Christophe Rioux, a specialist in cultural and creative industries, emphasized educating the industry stakeholders about the potential damage caused by poor audio compression practices, which can impact both listeners’ health and audio quality.
• Legislation and support: European Parliament member Iban Garcia Del Blanco, who has authored reports on the subject, showed keen interest in these matters and expressed the need for regulation protecting against harmful practices.

The Notable Absence of Social Networks at Midem+

One interesting trend this year was the absence of major social media networks like Meta, Facebook, and YouTube during the discussions. As influential players in the distribution and sharing of music online, their insight may have added some significant perspectives to the conversations on artificial intelligence and artist compensation models. But overall, the forward-thinking atmosphere of Midem+ demonstrated an active willingness within the industry to embrace change and tackle emerging challenges head-on.

Looking Forward: The Future of Music with AI and Live Entertainment

The revamped Midem+ event provided a vital forum for those shaping the future of music, offering a platform to meaningfully engage with cutting-edge technologies and discussions. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and influence the industry, events like Midem+ demonstrate the need for creative minds to come together in search of innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit both artists and audiences alike.

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A Fusion of Cultures: Malik Adouane’s ‘After Raï’

French-Algerian musician Malik Adouane was a pioneer of a distinctive genre he called “after raï”. Born in Libercourt to an Italo-Celtic mother and an Algerian father, Adouane mixed Oriental and Western influences to create his signature sound. The Parisian label Elmir Records has compiled ten of his most evocative tracks into an album titled After Raï Party, 1992-2008, releasing it on CD, vinyl, and digital formats on January 26th.

• Unique Sound: Drawing upon his diverse background, Adouane combined elements of soul, funk, house, and techno with traditional North African melodies to produce his groundbreaking “after raï” blend.
• Legacy Lives On: Recognizing Adouane’s contribution to world music, Elmir Records has handpicked his best works, ensuring new generations can continue to appreciate his innovative creations.

Environmental Preservation through Eco-Reggae: Sheila and Desmond Majekodunmi

Since 1989, Sheila and Desmond Majekodunmi have been promoting environmental preservation and sustainable living through their music. They founded an agroforestry farm in Nigeria and released a record called Green Leaves, urging others to protect the planet for future generations.

• International Roots: Sheila Andrea Green was born in Guatemala to an Afro-American jazz musician father and a white nurse mother. At age 11, she moved to Nigeria where she performed alongside juju music star King Sunny Ade.
• Pioneering Talent: Desmond Majekodunmi from Ibadan became London’s first black sound engineer, making great strides in the industry.
• Supporting Conservation: The British label Soundway Records is reissuing the couple’s album digitally, with proceeds from sales going to the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.

Dancing to Disco Beats: South African Duo Starlight

The year was 1983 when the self-titled album by South African duo Starlight made waves across the nation. Comprised of Emil Zoghby and John Galanakis, Starlight gained fame by covering international hits like Sly & The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” and crafting original tracks for B-sides that fueled dance floors across the country.

• Disco Revival: South African label Afrosynth has now digitally reissued Starlight’s six-track disco record, featuring one cover – “Picnic”, a local hit penned by Sello Mmutung and Keith Hutchinson.

New Blends, Same Vibes

In addition to reintroducing these nostalgic masterpieces to current audiences, these reissues, spanning different sounds and decades, remind us of the power that music holds. From Malik Adouane’s fusion of cultural influences to Sheila & Desmond Majekodunmi’s eco-reggae message and Starlight’s disco revival, these albums represent a unique mix of innovation in world music history.

• New Life: By reissuing these classic albums, a new generation of listeners and musicians can gain inspiration from the revolutionary blends of style and genre that have left their mark on the global music scene.

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