Description :
This episode of Orality and Humanity, broadcast by Radio Pais, is part of the European Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana) project, co-funded by the European Union. The programme showcases Europe’s oral heritage through conversations with artists who draw inspiration from regional cultures, oral traditions, and the natural environment. In this final interview with musician Alain Larivette, the discussion focuses on his current creative projects and his vision of artistic collaboration.
Larivette presents several ongoing initiatives, including Le Berger des Sons, new collaborations with storyteller Yannick Jolin, and musical projects developed alongside guitarist Pierre-Michel Grad. He also speaks about performing with his daughter, whom he encourages to follow her own artistic path while singing in Béarnais. His album Soma, whose title means “free” in his invented language, reflects his enduring interest in the relationship between music, nature, animals, and the four elements, themes that have become central to his artistic identity.
The interview also explores Larivette’s creative philosophy, centred on attentive listening. He introduces the project Nuna Kanik, inspired by Arctic landscapes and the sounds of snow, explaining that true listening comes not only through the ears but also through the heart. Meditation, silence, and close observation of the natural world play an essential role in his compositional process. The programme concludes with references to forthcoming recordings and performances, reaffirming his commitment to creating music rooted in oral tradition, environmental awareness, and human connection.