Margaux Liénard
L'Euphonie Des Coquecigrues
artist release
Review by Chris Nickson
An unexpected French delight of strings, a true euphony in pursuit of a mythical bird, L'Euphonie Des Coquecigrues is the brainchild of hardanger fiddle player Margaux Liénard. It is brimming with melodies that echo quite a few cultures and countries (“Polka Van Elwijt” receives a frisky treatment with a few overtones of klezmer along with goofy whistling birdcalls) from an exquisite string quartet; for example, the opener, “Baroco,” brings the Nordic countries south to France, while “Zobéïde,” contains some exquisite vocal harmonies, and lyrics inspire by author Italo Calvino.
The compositions are sophisticated and demanding, like her version of an old song, “La Fille Au Cresson,” which starts simply before spreading its wings into a wonderful folk dance between the verses.
L’Euphonie Des Coquecigrues is filled with constant surprises, a garden of delights, like “Nils,” which erupts out of the shadows into beautiful filigrees, all from Liénard’s fertile imagination and the skill of the band members, a string quartet with a real difference. It would be glorious to hear it live, but for now, the album will give plenty of pleasure.
Find the artist online.
Further listening:
Ëda Diaz
Ann O’aro
Laura Itandehui
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