The Betrayal

To create a sound portrait of a territory, one must collect its memories, meet its musicians and inhabitants, and capture its ambiences. In May 2023, Jean-Emmanuel Rosnet and Sébastien Robert immersed themselves in Aubrac's sonic landscape. Their field research resulted in a creation that blends improvised music with radio documentary. In this contemporary reinterpretation of Aubrac’s heritage, the artists draw upon the stories they have collected to create a narrative based on archival sounds from the 1960s when the CRNS began documenting the lives, customs and traditions of the breeders in this part of the Massif Central.

In the continuity of projects developed by the two artists on the oral and cultural heritage of specific regions and communities, The Betrayal explores the theme of transmission. It questions how to artistically address the potential loss of a craft, an artistic practice, a skill, or a repertoire. By manipulating raw materials, the artists aim to transcend mere documentation, moving towards contemporary forms honouring this intangible heritage. Their experimental reinterpretation, like the ever-evolving nature of traditional repertoires, seeks to open up new artistic possibilities for these sounds.


Credits

Collaboration with Jean-Emmanuel Rosnet
With the financial support of Creative Funds NL, Fonds [SCAN] Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, DRAC - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Département de la Lozère
With the intellectual support of Iméra - Institut d’études avancées (IEA) d’Aix-Marseille Université and Mucem - Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée
With the institutionnal support of CMTRA - Centre des Musiques Traditionnelles Rhône-Alpes and A.M.T.A - Agence des Musiques des Territoires d’Auvergne