At the Via Aeterna festival, at Mont-Saint-Michel, the sound of the saxophone of the Ellipsos Quartet

2023-10-15 11:43:19

This is an asset, but sometimes an obstacle. “Invented less than two hundred years ago (patented by Adolphe Sax in 1846, Editor’s note)the saxophone has the privilege of a certain modernity, explain Paul-Fathi Lacombe, member of the Quatuor Ellipsos, but has a less rich repertoire than its older “friends” such as the violin or the flute. »

Never mind ! Since it was formed in 2004, the ensemble, bringing together four virtuoso saxophonists – Paul-Fathi Lacombe, Julien Bréchet, Sylvain Jarry and Nicolas Herrouët – has enthusiastically advocated the cause of “warm and very human tone of an instrument from which jazz has made its honey”. Although he is passionate about this repertoire, Ellipsos likes to broaden his horizons, embracing classical music and contemporary creation, dialoguing with the organ, the voice or the piano.

“When last May in Tokyo, over Japanese tea, René Martin suggested that we play The Eternal Way at Mont-Saint-Michel, continues Paul-Fathi Lacombe, it was “yes” straight away! » Ellipsos and propose a concert Sax and Gospel with, as guests, Johann Sebastian Bach and the sacred songs of African-American slaves.

Une « Saxophone Family »

“A quartet is built day after day, in kindness and mutual understanding, assures the saxophonist. As in life, we learn from our mistakes, from our oppositions sometimes. Music is the glue that binds us together. »

With its proximity to its audience, Ellipsos travels from venues to festivals, from capitals to villages, while cultivating contemporary tools. “Social networks are a fantastic amplifier for making the saxophone known and visible,” pleads Paul-Fathi Lacombe. As proof, the creation of the #SaxophoneFamily “which works really well with more than 45,000 followers and enthusiasts ».

Constantly in search of new adventures, Ellipsos cherishes two dreams: the creation of a class dedicated to the saxophone quartet in a conservatory and an invitation to the Philharmonie de Paris.