- Petit concert pour clarinette et orchestre à cordes (1950)
2. Sermon. “Des femmes en noir”, pour chœur de femmes (1968)
Music of Swiss composer Jean Binet this Sunday – two works (both short) – the first; performed by Hans Rudolf Stalder, clarinet with Hermann Müller leading the Bern Kammerorchester – and the second; Arthur Furer leading the Chor des Lehrerinnen-Seminar Marzili, Bern
After studying in Geneva and obtaining the Diploma from the Jacques-Dalcroze Institute, Jean Binet completed his musical training with Otto Barblan, William Montillet, and Templeton Strong. He taught in Paris and then went to the United States, where in 1919 he founded the first Dalcroze rhythm school in New York.
He studied composition with Ernest Bloch and in 1921 participated with him in the founding of the Cleveland Conservatory, where his first works were premiered. In 1923, back in Europe, he settled in Brussels, where he taught at the Decroly School; however, his work as a composer quickly brought him recognition, and in 1930, the Pro Arte Quartet premiered his quartet. By 1929, Jean Binet had returned to Switzerland and settled in Trélex (Vaud) to devote himself entirely to composition.
His catalogue of works includes two ballets, scores for large and small orchestras, chamber music, a cappella choral pieces, and numerous songs for voice and piano. His music, characterized by great sensitivity and elegant writing, reflects a profoundly human and imaginative personality.
The first work; Petit concert pour clarinette et orchestre à cordes (1950) was recorded on March 13, 1962 at The Casino Bern – The second (with text by Charles Ferdinand Ramuz) was recorded on March 22, 1968 at the Petruskirche, Bern.
Enjoy.
