André Villeneuve | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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André Villeneuve

Villeneuve, André. Composer, teacher, b Quebec City 10 Mar 1956; premier prix counterpoint (CMM) 1979, premiers prix analysis, composition (CMM) 1983.

Villeneuve, André

Villeneuve, André. Composer, teacher, b Quebec City 10 Mar 1956; premier prix counterpoint (CMM) 1979, premiers prix analysis, composition (CMM) 1983. He first studied piano at the CMQ (1974-9) with Guy Bourassa prior to studying composition at the CMM (1979-83) with Clermont Pépin and Gilles Tremblay. On scholarships from the Canada Council and the MACQ, he received further training at the Paris Cons (1983-4) from composer Claude Ballif, at the Collège de France (1983-5) and at IRCAM (1983-5). In 1991, he was pursuing doctoral studies at McGill University under Bruce Mather.

His music is characterized by a stylistic unity where musical time seems stretched by an ever-changing harmony, and the absence of a regular pulse. Villeneuve has received commissions from harpsichordist Catherine Perrin (Vers la quatrième terre, premiered in 1987) and the SMCQ (Troisième terre - sonitor for piano, premiered in 1991 by Yvar Mikhashoff). He began teaching harmony and ear training at UQAM in 1987, and counterpoint at the CMM in 1988. He is a member of the CLComp.