Budapest Symphony Orchestra and jazz trio

M Media jazz

Sep 27

2 min read

Drummer and composer Bernard Riche continues his creative journey with *Legatum*, an ambitious new work that unites the worlds of jazz and symphonic music in a reflection on the concept of legacy.

The title, derived from the Latin word for "legacy," evokes both the passing down of music and the heritage of the generations that came before us. Through this composition, Bernard Riche explores what we inherit from the past: a burden to carry or a force capable of uplifting and inspiring us. This duality forms the central thread of the work.

To bring this vision to life, the musician chose a large-scale ensemble combining a symphony orchestra with his jazz trio. The Bernard Riche Trio features Bernard Riche on drums, saxophonist Yannick Rieu, and double bassist Morgan Moore. This meeting of orchestral writing and jazz improvisation allows for the exploration of a vast array of sonic colors and musical textures.

True to form, Bernard Riche has surrounded himself with top-tier collaborators to bring this project to fruition. The orchestral arrangements were entrusted to Thierry Pilote (who also co-wrote the piece); his work enabled the score to be performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. The jazz trio’s recording took place at Studio Le Pond a few months later. The two sonic worlds will be brought together during the final production stages. Mixing and mastering for *Legatum* have been entrusted to Davy Gallant, who will ensure the coherence and balance of this multi-dimensional work.

With *Legatum*, Bernard Riche offers a profound musical reflection on transmission, memory, and the continuity between generations. By combining the power of a symphony orchestra with the freedom of jazz, the composer has created a work that reflects his taste for artistic exploration and exceptional musical encounters.