Michel Portal is a unique example in the French musical landscape. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist—clarinets, saxophones, bandoneon—he is both an international soloist, hailed as the Callas of clarinettists, and a tireless explorer of free-ranging music. Classical (Mozart, Brahms, Poulenc, etc.), contemporary (Berio, Boulez, Kurtág, Rihm, etc.), jazz (with tributes to Monk, Parker, and Coleman), chanson (Barbara, Nougaro, Gainsbourg), film music, and more. He traverses genres like crossing imaginary borders, with the same ardent breath.
In this book of interviews conducted by Franck Médioni, whose pen is both precise and inspired, Michel Portal reveals himself without reserve. He recalls his memories, his encounters, his experiences, his revolts, and his wonders. This tale of an intense musical life is also that of a free, polymorphous, and elusive man.
A vibrant tribute to music as a playground, a place of desire and risk. A celebration of sound in all its most direct, magical, and human forms.
Patrick Frémeaux

160 pages