I’m a big classical music fan, so when I heard Raynald Grenier’s symphony, Symphony No.1 In D Minor, I fell in love! He’s got a classic sound and is a fantastic composer – you can find the full symphony at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You’ve recently released an EP consisting of a symphony containing three movements, titled Symphony No.1 in D Minor. What can you tell us about the EP?
This EP, Symphony No.1 in D Minor, represents the culmination of longstanding wish of composing a work for the Sacred Repertoire. It is a Symphony in three movements but they are all interlocking; this is why I gave it the subtitle The Trilogy. The musical form of this work is what we call in music ‘ostinato’; the ostinato is a process of musical composition consisting of stubbornly repeating a rhythmic, melodic or harmonic formula, accompanying immutably different thematic elements throughout the piece.
Where can the EP be purchased and how has the reception been?
My new release is now available on all digital platforms. Upon its release, this album received a fantastic and enthusiastic reception from both listeners and music critics; all these reviews are available on the web.
What is the writing and recording process like when writing a symphony like this?
I devoted over two years to the composition of this symphony; thereafter I worked with the Conductor Gilles Léveillé for the musical arrangements and the orchestrations. Then, we did the rehearsals and the recordings with the Global Studio Philharmonic Orchestra (under the direction of Gilles Léveillé). No need to say that this is a lot of work…
Do you have any singles planned for release?
No, I don’t do singles, all my previous works were albums (ballet, musical, opera, symphony, etc.) and they’re all available on digital platforms.
Are you in the process of writing any other symphonies? Do you plan to release any stand alone tracks?
The first symphony was barely finished and I was already in the process of composing the second symphony; I expect to finish the composition by the end of this year. Then will come the work for the musical arrangements and orchestration; rehearsals and recording sessions are scheduled to begin in spring 2023 and the release of this album, titled Symphony No.2 in G Minor, is expected for September 2023.
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
For most of the musicians around me the pandemic was a disaster, but, to be honest, this particular time was very prolific for me. I started the composition of my Symphony at the very beginning of the pandemic and I put myself totally into this project; it was like the light at the end of the tunnel.
Your music belongs firmly within the classical music category. What/who are you influenced by and what have you been listening to recently?
My influences come from the classical composers, more specifically Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler, and also from modern composers such as John Williams and Andrew Lloyd Weber. Yes, my music belongs firmly to the classical music category but it also has the cinematic music mood (soundtrack).
You’re based in Quebec. What is the local music scene like there at the moment?
The music scene, like everywhere on the planet, has suffered a lot from the pandemic, but now things are coming back to normal with big events like concerts, music festivals, etc.
Any last words for the fans?
I compose music, not for myself, but for the audience and all the listeners all around the world. I am a strong believer of the idea that music is the best antidote for all the ills in this world, and always remain amazed by the intricate ways it is used to build bridges of understanding and tolerance amidst diverse communities, cultures, races and religions. Music is the lifeline of our humanity… this is what I believe in and what I want to contribute through my music…
Thank you for listening to my music!