Michel Arrignon, the virtuoso clarinettist and co-founder of the Ensemble Intercontemporain, passed away in La Rochelle on March 12 at the age of 76.
Arrignon was known for his role as principal clarinetist of the Paris Opera Orchestra, founding the Olivier Messiaen Quartet, and serving as a clarinet professor at the Paris Conservatoire. A passionate advocate of modernism, he once said, “I want to stress that 20th-century works contain unique masterpieces.” He contributed extensively to recordings of composers such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Berio, Fenelon, and others. Reflecting on his career, he noted, “This period was rich in creativity for me, and working with Pierre Boulez was crucial in shaping me into a true professional—an invaluable lesson.”
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