Music to picture

Customer activity

The Cadre Noir trains and perfects equestrian executives. True experts in their discipline, the equerry's main mission is to pass on technical and theoretical knowledge. They put their knowledge and experience to good use by taking part in international competitions, either as competitors or trainers. They can draw on research and documentation centers to improve and diversify teaching in technical and pedagogical fields. Numerous symposia and research days are organized every year. Well-educated, informed by the teachings of the great masters of equitation and curious about the evolution of equestrian practices, the Cadre Noir's equestrians actively contribute to maintaining and promotingtraditional French equitation through public presentations in France and abroad.

Context and purpose of the project

Creating the music for "L'Héritage" involved working with video artist Anthony Bro-Petit, whose mission was to capture the moments when the knowledge of French equitation is passed on from one rider to another.

The Cadre Noir de Saumur is heir to a unique heritage and know-how that it must preserve, promote and pass on.

Transmission is precisely the cardinal mission of the Cadre Noir. Transmission is embodied in its training mission. Squires pass on their technical and pedagogical knowledge to students and trainees, so that they in turn can pass it on. It is also embodied in its mission to support and develop top-level sport. When its athletes, students or riders, shine in competition, they help to inspire the practice of equitation that is at once high-performance, fulfilling and respectful of the horse. When the Cadre Noir takes part in public presentations and galas, it also passes on its know-how and practice to the general public. Last but not least, it is also passed on internally, from generation to generation, between groomers, for example, to learn the precise and particular know-how that is French braiding. Or between equestrians or teachers, in a form of "compagnonnage", where the older members accompany and guide the younger ones.

The film "Écuyers, les passeurs de l'équitation française" crystallizes with force, elegance and emotion this mission of transmission which is the very essence of the Cadre Noir.

Musical universe requested by the customer

A musical universe similar to that of a short film, in which we pass through different emotions and moods to feel immersed in various atmospheres as the young equestrian evolves. The idea was to create a soundtrack that reflects the young man's evolution, capturing the different stages of his journey, from initial discovery to mastery of the equestrian art.

The beginning of the composition was to evoke the prestige and renowned expertise of the Cadre Noir, positioning itself against the innocence, curiosity and hard work of the young student squire. As the story progressed, the music would evolve to highlight the various specialties and trainers, right up to the gala and public presentations. The notes had to become more dramatic, the tempos faster or slower depending on the scene, and the instruments used had to vary to create a rich emotional palette.

The choice of instruments, harmonies and musical transitions were essential to create a coherent, immersive sonic journey. The aim was to make the listener truly feel the emotions and moods that accompany the young squire throughout his equestrian journey, inviting him to become emotionally involved in the story.

This approach would strengthen the link between the music, the story and the viewer, offering a more immersive and memorable cinematic experience.

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The process

It was then necessary to undertake a multi-stage, iterative process, involving close collaboration with the videographer and Cadre Noir's communications managers. The aim was to adjust and coordinate the various elements of the project, including video shots, visual ambiences and musical preferences.

This process began with in-depth discussions with the video artist and representatives of the Cadre Noir, to determine the vision and expectations of each party. These discussions made it possible to define the artistic orientations, to ensure that the video sequences corresponded to the transmission of the knowledge of French equitation, and to harmonize the visual elements with the musical choices to come.

Then, incremental adjustments were made, with regular feedback and revisions, to ensure that every element of the project integrated seamlessly and coherently. This included synchronizing the images with the music, adding visual effects to enhance the mood, and adapting the sequences to best capture the passing of knowledge from one squire to another.

This iterative process created a work that was both visually arresting and emotionally captivating, showcasing the art of French equitation in a harmonious and immersive way.

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