Terra Nova Collective - Leemans: The Symphonies (2021)

Hebert Leemans (1741-1771) grew up in a family of musicians - his father, Adriaan Leemans (1707-1750), had moved from Lier to Bruges in 1737 to become not only the city's carillonneur but also the organist at St. Donaas' Cathedral.

His father and brothers were involved with the 'Confrerie van het Concert' in Bruges between 1750 and 1780; an association founded in 1746 by talented and passionate amateur musicians who met to play music privately and to give concerts in public. Its members were recruited from the well-to-do middle class and the proceeds from their concerts were often donated to charity. Little is known about their repertoire, but it was certainly the only place in Bruges where the young Hebert Leemans could regularly hear orchestral music performed at a particular level.

We do not know exactly when Hebert Leemans went to Paris, although we do know that his Opus I was published in Paris in 1765.

A contemporary of Francois-Joseph Gossec, Leemans seems to have been particularly successful in getting his symphonies published, thanks to the financial support of some of his generally young and influential aristocratic patrons.

Symphonic music underwent a particularly interesting evolution in Paris during the 1760s and 1770s, with the result that Gossec went on to become one of the most important figures in its development, whilst Leemans died before he had the chance to do so.

Research has shown that more music was published in Paris between 1750 and 1770 than in all other cities combined. Le Concert des Amateurs, an orchestra of 73 musicians conducted by Gossec, was founded in Paris in 1769.

Leemans' production of fourteen symphonies that we know of is by no means small in comparison with Gossec's twenty-four symphonies. It is also strongly suspected that there are further symphonies that have not yet come to light.

This 2 for 1 CD set introduces us to this important part of early symphonic development during this time, performed by the Terra Nova Collective and directed by Vlad Weverbergh.

Vlad Weverbergh's focus is the rediscovery and performance of unjustly neglected composers and their music. For this reason, he founded the Terra Nova Collective in 2012 as artistic and musical director. He handpicked the musicians to create a flexible group in formation, with an adventurous drive to tackle its unique repertoire. Vlad's musical insights stem from a fruitful and comprehensive career as a clarinettist.