Some highlights from Jean-François Pontefract

 

M. J.F. Pontefract recorded among the very best recordings issued on Harmonia Mundi French label from Aix-en-Provence.

He’s still active today.

JFP today

I recently had the rare opportunity to chat with him and I asked him for some first-hand informations about those milestones in music and recording art.

A recent conversation between my pal Jürg Schopper and J.F. Pontefract on FB

JFP in early ‘80s

La Folia was of course among the first topics I asked for… the great sound-engineer sent to me some pictures:

Here is the Notre Dame des Anges church in French countryside where both the a.m. Paniagua’s La Folia and Alfred Deller’s masterpieces were recorded 40 years ago.

JFP: “ There was access to the sacristy on the first floor by an external staircase which has since been removed.  To my surprise, there is also a small crypt under the altar.”

La chapelle en Lurs, Haute-Provence 

When asked about mikes, tape machine and mixer used, JFP sent to me a picture:

A Studer B62, Schoeps Colette series microphones and Studer 089 mixer-desk were used for both above mentioned masterpieces, but he told me he also used at Harmonia Mundi a Telefunken M 12.

Last but not least, here is a recent picture and description:

“ Here is a photo of a recording made at the "CRR" music conservatory in Paris (rue de Madrid).  4 pianos tuned in 1/4 tone and a Martenot wave for works by Wyschnégradsky and Alain Bancquart.  A single couple Neumann U 67and Nagra VI.

and

“A Schoeps pair being installed in the cathedral of Auch.  The CD will be out in April.”

A few words from a laconic gentleman whose skills were a statement of good taste and a joy for generations of music lovers worldwide.

Merci, Maestro. 🙏🎶🥇💎🙏