Mary Dibbern
Accompanist and Vocal Coach

Recitals with Kurt Ollmann. Click for information

Jean-Charles Hoffelé wrote that “Jacques Leguerney’s songs brought the century of French mélodie composition to a close. His compositions were neither a summary nor an embellishment of earlier composers’ works, but represented an opening in new directions that no other composer has had the courage to follow. His music speaks directly to the senses and is totally demanding upon both performers and listeners. The French themselves were slow to recognize the unique genius of this music, with its exquisite, refined compositional techniques and ever-changing, kaleidoscope of colors and harmonies.” However, in the 1980’s his music was “discovered” by a trio of musicians who have collaborated, with both Leguerney’s participation and blessing, to create this book.

Mary Dibbern, pianist, was responsible for “discovering” Leguerney in 1978 in Paris. She has recorded the songs for Harmonia Mundi France and Claves (Grand Prix du Disque), edited eight volumes of songs for Editions Max Eschig, and is considered to be the most prominent authority on Leguerney’s songs and style. Dr. Carol Kimball, Professor of Music and a Barrick Scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is a specialist in vocal literature. She met Leguerney in 1986 and has championed his music in the United States through her premiere performances of Leguerney’s songs, and her lectures on his life and music. Patrick Choukroun received his Doctor of Musicology degree from the University of Paris-Sorbonne in 1996, where his dissertation “Jacques Leguerney or the Celebration of French Song” received highest honors.

The book, Interpreting the Songs of Jacques Leguerney: A Guide for Study and Performance is one of the few documents of its kind to have been prepared with the direct collaboration of the composer, and as such, is an important contribution to the field of contemporary French music. The book contains the composer’s biography, a discussion of Leguerney’s musical style, the complete texts of the songs with English translations and International Phonetic Alphabet transcriptions of the French texts. Each song’s content and style is discussed, and Leguerney’s own recommendations for the singer and pianist are included. 

A biographical article in Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart concludes that Leguerney is “the culmination of French song.” Those who have heard and performed his music are mystified that this sizable body of songs are not more well-known. The book is the definitive guide to this exquisite music.

The Story of Leguerney: Lecture and Slide Presentation

Francis Poulenc said, “There are two important living composers of French Song in the twentieth century, Jacques Leguerney and myself.” Who was Jacques Leguerney? This question is answered in a lecture illustrated with color slides and taped examples of his music for voice and piano. Jacques Leguerney, who died in Paris in 1997 is shown in historical perspective: his musical development influenced by Albert roussel and Nadia Boulanger, his accomplishments as a mélodie composer who collaborated intimately with French baritone Gérard Souzay and the events that caused Leguerney to renounce composition in 1963. Mary Dibbern will show exclusive slides from the composer’s early childhood scrapbook, as well as photos she took of him during their nineteen year collaboration. She will discuss insights into his personality and music gained by working with him on all phases of recording and editing his music, as well as delve into the cultural and psychological climate in France which caused this outstanding composer to be so unjustly ignored by his countrymen.

This lecture can be given in either a forty-five minute, an hour or an hour and a half format. It is accompanied by historical recorded excerpts, or may be given in collaboration with singers who perform the songs “live” as was done in Portland and San Diego in the spring of 2001. 

Editions of Leguerney’s music
prepared by Mary Dibbern

For a complete listing of Leguerney’s vocal works, chamber music and ballets, see Interpreting the Songs of Jacques Leguerney: A Guide for Study and Performance, Pendragon Press. The songs are listed chronologically, and there is a listing of songs by voice type.

Scores may be ordered from Classical Vocal Repertoire.  

Discography of Leguerney’s songs
recorded by Mary Dibbern