FEATURED CD - Harmonium : L'heptade

[Duncan Glenday]

Per a review on the old PE by 'Prog Floyd'

If ever the term "epic" was appropriate, when describing an album. This would be it. L'Heptade, released by French Canadian prog band, Harmonium, in 1976. It is one of the most Hauntingly beautiful albums I've ever heard, and one of the most grandiose artistic statements ever made by anybody. If your a proghead, then you simply owe it to yourself to check out this masterpiece, which deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as other prog classics, such as The Wall, The Lamb, Relayer, etc.

In a nutshell, this album is comprised of seven songs, based on the seven different levels of consciousness (as is explained by lead singer Serge Foiri on the live En Tournée album), including some orchestral bridges, composed by Neil Chotem.

The performers on this album are, lead singer Serge Foiri (the main songwriter and "visionary" behind the whole project) who delivers some of the most heartfelt vocal performances I've ever heard, as he pours his heart and soul into the lyrics.

Michel Normandeau on guitar, another one of the principle song writers(he would actually end up walking out on the band, before the album was completed), Louis Valois(Bass player), drummer Dennis Farmer(who unfortunately passed away in 1993) Libert Subirana (flute), Robert Stanley ( electric guitar) female vocalist Monique Fauteux (sings on "Le Corridor"). Keyboard ace Serge Locat, whose synth is also a strong presence on this album, most notably his breathtakingly beautiful piano solo on "Lumières de vie".

This album is light years ahead of their self-titled debut album, which consisted mainly of more simple folk-rock songs. It is, for the most part, extremely dark and somber in mood (as is beautifully depicted by the cover). A personal highlight for me would have to be the eerily dark song called "L'exil". Foiri sings this song as if he is on the verge of tears. A simply beautiful moment.

This album is a perfect example of how emotional intensity is favored over technical virtuosity, and that is why I love it. It transports the listener on a dark mystical journey unlike no other.

There is also a live version of this album called En Tournée (as I’ve already mentioned earlier on) which I will review at a later date.

In short, no amount of words can do justice what a great album this is. I am simply putting this review out there in the hopes that it will incite anybody who hasn’t heard it, to check it out. Don’t let language barriers stand in the way. Whilst it helps to understand French, it is not a necessity, the sheer beauty of the music, and the emotion in which the vocals are delivered, will be enough to keep you in awe.

[progeezer]

This album is one of my top 10 albums of all time.

This is some of the most beautiful music (regardless of genre) I've ever heard.

Singer Serge Fiori's 2014 solo album is a must for Harmonium fans.

Twas PE's Yves who first hipped me to them. Prior to that I had never heard of them, and now own their whole catalog.

[JeffCarney]

Just spun disc one the other night. Great, great album.

This reminds that I need to spin disc two.

[Progbear]

All of the Harmonium studio discs are worth owning for one reason or other. I’m including Deux cents nuits à l’heure here even if it’s not a proper Harmonium album (Louis Valois and Michel Normandeau are nowhere to be seen).

On the subject of L’heptade specifically, “Lumières de vie” is an odd, meandering piece that sounds new each time I hear it. I suppose part of that is because it’s not “catchy” like the other tunes, but it also doesn’t mean I dislike it, just that it’s more about texture and mood than melody. The other songs are all classics.

EDIT: Did anyone notice that the quoted review is for a different album?

[progeezer]

EDIT: Did anyone notice that the quoted review is for a different album?

You realize that PE doesn't pay Duncan enough to be infallible. IIRC, his salary for all that he does here is nothin, rien, nada.

[NogbadTheBad]

I prefer Si On Avait Besoine D'Une Cinquieme Saison but this is also an excellent album, I find slightly darker and more meandering than Si On Avait. Quality stuff.

[Duncan Glenday]

EDIT: Did anyone notice that the quoted review is for a different album?

[Duncan Glenday]

It's fixed

[Kai]

Certainly my favourite Harmonium release. Gorgeous melodies, great arrangements, interesting atmospheres - all things that tend to attract me in music. It builds up nicely, through slow twists and turns, to that sublime climax of "Comme un sage". Now that's good example of hooks in progressive music.

[Trane]

I prefer Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison but this is also an excellent album, I find slightly darker and more meandering than Si On Avait. Quality stuff.

Yup, Prefer Fifth Season

All of the Harmonium studio discs are worth owning for one reason or other. I’m including Deux cents nuits à l’heure here even if it’s not a proper Harmonium album (Louis Valois and Michel Normandeau are nowhere to be seen).

On the subject of L’heptade specifically, “Lumières de vie” is an odd, meandering piece that sounds new each time I hear it. I suppose part of that is because it’s not “catchy” like the other tunes, but it also doesn’t mean I dislike it, just that it’s more about texture and mood than melody. The other songs are all classics.

Mmmhhh!!!...Thopugh I love them both, both 200 Nuits and l'Heptade are too wordy for me (love the lyrics, though)... just not enough space for lengthy instrumental passages.

[Yves]

One of my favorite albums of all time, any genre... Coincidentally enough, I just purchased tickets to see the best Harmonium tribute band going: Premier Ciel. I have seen them at least a dozen times over the years but not in the last 3, so it should be fresh again.



Here they are playing the song "Le Premier Ciel". The sound is a little rough on this but you get an idea of the band:

[Scrotum Scissor]

Really such a mammoth epic album, near cinematic in scope - and sometimes even in feeling.

Although collectively recognized as the "Harmonium record with drums on it", I think they appear highly discreet as integral component in those still quite distinctly "singer-songwriter" arrangements. If clearly extended, that is.

Stunningly beautiful. I'd truly love to have this on vinyl.

[TheH]

Awesome Album by a great band I slightly prefer the live version, maybe simply cause
I owned that one longer.

This one and "Si On Avait" are total must haves for any Prog collector.

[Yves]

I also prefer the live version. I'm not overly fond of the symphonic score in between tracks on the studio version.

[smcfee]

I'm also for the live version although I do enjoy the studio one. I also would second the recommendation of Premier Ciel.

[JeffCarney]

I prefer the studio version. Some of the "widdly wee" synth on the live version sounds a bit out of place for my money.

Both are great in the end.

[Birdy]

I'm also for the live version although I do enjoy the studio one. I also would second the recommendation of Premier Ciel.

Like both but love the live "En Tournee".

[miamiscot]

I only have Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison and I could never get into it. I have tried and tried. What am I missing? I want to love these guys. Will I like L'heptade better?

Signed,
Harmonium Hater

[progeezer]

I only have Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison and I could never get into it. I have tried and tried. What am I missing? I want to love these guys. Will I like L'heptade better?

Signed,
Harmonium Hater

Probably. Seriously, just search L'Heptade on youtube & all your questions will be answered.

[bill g]

Mmm yes, I love this music-it captures a lot, emotionally, and this certainly feeds my heart more than a technical virtuoso type album. Just seeing the cover gives my heart a little 'charge' so to speak, although that's not the right word...anyway, it is certainly a grower-I also love the Fiori/Sequin album nearly as much, and of course the new Fiori album.

[JeffCarney]

I only have Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison and I could never get into it. I have tried and tried. What am I missing? I want to love these guys. Will I like L'heptade better?

Signed,
Harmonium Hater

If you don't like the 2nd album, I would not go forward to this one. I'd recommend going backwards and hearing the debut, which is one of the most brilliant folk/prog/pop albums of all time.

If that doesn't click, just forget it. They probably aren't for you.

[Joe F.]

I only have Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison and I could never get into it. I have tried and tried. What am I missing? I want to love these guys. Will I like L'heptade better?

Signed,
Harmonium Hater

I love Si On Avait.....

You may want to check out the live version of L'Heptade, which is called En Tournee.

[Yves]

I only have Si On Avait Besoin D'Une Cinquieme Saison and I could never get into it. I have tried and tried. What am I missing? I want to love these guys. Will I like L'heptade better?

Signed,
Harmonium Hater

Don't know if you'll enjoy it more, but it is the band's most "prog" statement, imo... The band morphed from a folky Québecois trio to full progressive band in the span of three records. This is a concept double-album with all the bells and whistles. It still retains that essentially pastoral sound, but there's a lot more going on here than the previous two records. I have to admit to being totally biased here though. Harmonium are part of Québec's modern cultural fabric.. If you were to make a quilt of the Québecois identity, Harmonium would get a prominent square. Serge Fiori is a modern poet. I cannot separate the lyrics from the music when I listen to this band and can understand that if you don't understand Québecois, you may be losing out on the full force of this record.

[Reid]

Where can you find the CD for less than 30 dollars? I have their first two albums, which I enjoy.

[smcfee]

http://www.amazon.ca/LHeptade-Harmon...ords=harmonium