Corentin Rio and his Orpheum

Orpheum in the 21st century, what are we talking about?

In 2015, Corentin Rio founded the “Orphéon“, conceived as a real miniature orchestra. First, his musical career began with an initial experience alongside his companion Armel Dupas as “co-leader” in the electro-jazz duo WaterBabies, an ideal playground for exploring his taste for composition, jazz and improvisation, capitalizing on his years of classical studies of orchestration and harmony.

Like the Orpheum of ancient Europe, it is about gathering friends around a singing repertoire, where the pleasure of being together and sharing a moment of music is at the center stage.

Thus, grouped around the Corentin Rio’s compositions whom “works” on drums, this small orchestra is composed of David Fettmann and Romain Cuoq on saxophones, Federico Casagrande on guitar and Leonardo Montana on piano and Fender Rhodes. The saxophones solo alternate the sounds, going from the viola to the soprano, with also the tenor. As for rhythm, it is maintained on one hand by the Rhodes and the piano, and on the other by the guitar along with artifices and a bass amp; our two musicians take turns to provide sometimes the role of bassist, sometimes that of harmonist, thus bringing as many options of stamps and sounds to the ensemble.

The melodies inspired by vocal arrangements, the interaction of music, sound research, and connivance are at the heart of the artistic approach of this modern times Orphéon.

Over the past two years, the group has been experimenting with a number of musical tracks, including the arrangement of the 17th century English vocal repertoire (including Purcell), resolutely modern compositions, acoustic or more electric formulas, concerts ranging from the quintet to the eleventet … Nowadays, the Corentin Rio Orphéon defends a mature and sincere music, nurtured by multiple influences, fruit of a demanding musical research and deep friendship with these five talented musicians.

During this concert, rich in emotional compositions and creativity, we particularly enjoyed “Music for a while” adapted from a title of a Purcell opera: second on four movements of the music that he composed in 1692 (Z 583) and intended for the play of John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee, Oedipus.

It should be noted that David Fettman was replaced that evening by Pierre Bernier.

Lineup

David Fettmann, saxophone

Romain Cuoq, saxophone

Federico Casagrande, guitar

Leonardo Montana, piano and Fender Rhodes

Corentin Rio, drums and compositions