Frédéric Back

Overview

Overview from the right L'Histoire de la musique à Montréal
or Les Arts lyriques
, 1967

Iron and glass with lighting elements
Length 13,7 m × height 2,7 m

Location: Place-des-Arts metro station, east concourse

This beautiful work of art was the first work of art to be sponsored and installed in the metro. It was one of the series of historical works foreseen by art director Robert Lapalme, and was underwritten by the now-defunct Steinberg grocery chain and was inaugurated on 20 December 1967.

Link to high-resolution panoramic view
Click here for high-resolution panoramic view (2308 × 800 px, 700 kb)

The huge work is composed of thousands of layered pieces of glass backlit by 105 lighting tubes and supported by a tonne of steel. The glass surface is rippled, causing the brilliant colours to shimmer ethereally.

The work was originally intended to be an homage to four important Quebec musical artists: the composers Calixa Lavallée, Guillaume Couture, and Alexis Contant, and soprano Dame Emma Albani.

Figures of Calixa Lavallée, Guillaume Couture, and Alexis Contant
Calixa Lavallée, Guillaume Couture, and Alexis Contant
Figure of Dame Emma Albani
Dame Emma Albani

However, though their figures dominate, the artist chose to trace the history of music in Montreal, from its very beginnings — Aboriginal music, and the first concert in the colony, commanded by Jacques Cartier in 1535. The work traces a timeline from left to right, with a number of historical highlights, significant figures, concert halls, and other illustrations symbolizing the state of music at particular times, in a florid but delicate style and interpreted through captions. At the end, the experimental music of the modern day is symbolized by an explosion of fiery shades.

Aboriginal music; first concert commanded by Jacques Cartier
Aboriginal music and the first concert commanded by Jacques Cartier

Caption for Jacques Cartier concert
"Hochelaga, 20 October 1535. The said Captain Jacques Cartier commanded the trumpets and other musical instruments to be played, which greatly gladdened the people. Many men and women came to lead us onto the mountain called by us Mount Royal."

Organ of Notre Dame Basilica
1700: the organ of Notre Dame Basilica

The 18th century: a flautist and lutenist
18th-century music: a flautist and lutenist

Early 20th-century musicians
Early 20th-century musicians, including Rodolphe Plamondon, Éva Gauthier, and Pauline Lightstone

Modern music
Modern experimental music, represented by a blaze of red and sharp forms

On December 20, 2007, the STM marked the 40th anniversary of this work's installation, in the presence of the artist. During 2008 the work will see its lighting system completely renovated by the lighting artist Axel Morgenthaler.


Text of the plaque:

The evolution of music in Montréal, from the first concert, on October 20, 1535, to the dramatic experiments and achievements of its contemporary musicians.

Donated by
Steinberg's Limited

1967

Dedication plaque