PARIS.- A new book from the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is about to strike a chord with music and art lovers. Titled Résonances, this is the first publication from the renowned museum dedicated entirely to its vast collection of musical instruments. More than just a catalog, the book is a breathtaking journey through global musical heritage, revealing the deep, human stories behind the objects.
Guided by the expertise of curator Madeleine Leclair, Résonances features eighty exquisite instruments from across the museum's collections. Most of these have been beautifully captured by the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer Richard Dumas, known for his emotive portraits.
"Through these photos, what I want to share...is the presence of the instruments as living objects," Dumas says.
The book is structured to tell a rich, multifaceted story, organized into chapters like "Living Archives," "Messenger Instruments," and "The Humanity of Instruments." Leclair, who has spent over thirty years championing musical and sound heritage, believes that these objects are "vehicles for communication, a distillation of knowledge and history."
Résonances also goes beyond the physical objects by including interviews with "sound transmitters"—a diverse group of composers, singers, historians, and artists from around the globe. These voices, from places as varied as Japan, Patagonia, and the Brazilian Amazon, offer personal insights and experiences, sharing the living traditions and knowledge tied to the instruments.
The book is a testament to the idea that music isn't just about sound; it's about the materials, the craftsmanship, the rituals, and the people. As Leclair notes, "Instruments are active tools that shape sound and music," directly influencing how it's created and performed.
Following on the heels of the museum's popular publications on masterpieces, masks, and statues, Résonances promises to be a vital addition, inviting readers to explore the intimate and universal connections between humanity and the instruments that give us our voice. The book is set to be released on June 18, 2025.
