Michel Sogny

{{Short description|French pianist}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox person

| name =

| image = Michel Sogny b.jpg

| image_size =

| alt = Michel Sogny in Paris in 2018

| caption = Michel Sogny in Paris in 2012|

| birth_date = 21 November 1947

| birth_place = Pau, France

| occupation = Pianist, composer, pedagogue, writer,

| website = {{URL|michelsogny.ch}}

}}

Michel Sogny (born 21 November 1947 in Pau, France) is a French pianist, composer, and writer of Hungarian descent who developed a new approach to teaching the piano.Valérie Sasportas (23 April 2010). [http://www.lefigaro.fr/livres/2010/04/22/03005-20100422ARTFIG00623-michel-sogny-la-musique-sans-soupir-.php « Michel Sogny, La musique sans soupirs »]. Le Figaro.Radio Classique (December 2015). [http://www.radioclassique.fr/actu-classique/dossiers/dossiers-detail/lart-et-la-methode-de-michel-sogny.html "L’art et la Méthode de Michel Sogny"].

Biography

Michel Sogny attended École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he pursued piano studies under the direction of Jules Gentil and Yvonne Desportes. He holds a master's degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in literature and a PhD in philosophy,Le Processus de l'esprit créateur chez Liszt {{SUDOC|040853942}} which he completed at the Sorbonne in 1974 under the direction of Vladimir Jankélévitch. Michel Sogny is the founder of SOS Talents Foundation.

Along with Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and Franz Liszt's great-grand daughter, Blandine Ollivier de Prévaux, Sogny was one of the founding members of the Franz Liszt French Association.Association française Franz Liszt 1972 », Documentation Association Franz Liszt, octobre 1972{{cite news |title=Une Association Franz Liszt|work=Le Figaro|date=16 October 1973|page=29|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/49472640182/in/dateposted-public}}

In 1974 Michel Sogny founded a music school in Paris as well as opening a literary and musical salon where he gathered artists, writers and intellectuals.{{cite news |first=Thierry |last=Hillériteau|title=Les antiques accords de Michel Sogny|work=Le Figaro|date=4 May 2014|page=36|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/mon-figaro/2014/05/02/10001-20140502ARTFIG00286-les-antiques-accords-de-michel-sogny.php}}

In 1975, he published his first book, Admiration Créatrice chez List. The preface to his book was written by György Cziffra.

In 1981 he appeared in the television series Grâce à la Musique"Grâce à la Musique – Franz Liszt", Le Figaro TV, 11 mars 1981, p. 23 (26 avril 2019) – Franz Liszt directed by François Reichenbach. He also opened a second music school in Geneva."Les adultes peuvent apprendre le piano", 24 Heures, 15 octobre 1981"Nous sommes tous des prodiges", La Tribune de Genève, 19 et 20 septembre 1981

In 1995, Sogny was invited to be the Artistic Director at Villa Schindler, a musical institution in Austria, under the patronage of Yehudi Menuhin.{{cite news |title=Nachruf auf Yehudi Menuhin|work=Tirolertages Zeitung|date=September 1993|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/44924341814/in/photolist-NMBskp-2brNfro-NMzjCe-2cxRF7c-29MbNah-2cxRz3t-2cxTcpV-2ctq6no-v1p2jU-29MbPXL-NPiJ4c-FjYqGp-rT8RJv-Fi3cLh-Pz4Hha-FhZ8G1-FH6HGz-FH5Ghx-AJfzYa-NHhryM-QkHyaj-2brNZFu-NHhwY4-2cp7nbN-NHhtHX-QkNc89-2bnvYiC-QkNe2u-2b5Rnpx-NHhzqZ-QkHiZL-2in3hcg-NHhp5D-QkHowm-QkHkSd-NHhkY8-2bnwneC}}{{cite news |title=Internationale Kunst in Villa Schindler|work=Blickpunkt |date=27 September 1995|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/44875754294/in/photolist-NMBskp-2brNfro-NMzjCe-2cxRF7c-29MbNah-2cxRz3t-2cxTcpV-2ctq6no-v1p2jU-29MbPXL-NPiJ4c-FjYqGp-rT8RJv-Fi3cLh-Pz4Hha-FhZ8G1-FH6HGz-FH5Ghx-AJfzYa-NHhryM-QkHyaj-2brNZFu-NHhwY4-2cp7nbN-NHhtHX-QkNc89-2bnvYiC-QkNe2u-2b5Rnpx-NHhzqZ-QkHiZL-2in3hcg-NHhp5D-QkHowm-QkHkSd-NHhkY8-2bnwneC/}} Under his guidance young pianists follow masterclasses and perform at international festivals.{{cite news |title=Eine Festwoche des Klavier|work=Blick Punkt|date=14 November 2001|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/30659602717/in/photolist-NMBskp-2brNfro-NMzjCe-2cxRF7c-29MbNah-2cxRz3t-2cxTcpV-2ctq6no-v1p2jU-29MbPXL-NPiJ4c-FjYqGp-rT8RJv-Fi3cLh-Pz4Hha-FhZ8G1-FH6HGz-FH5Ghx-AJfzYa-NHhryM-QkHyaj-2brNZFu-NHhwY4-2cp7nbN-NHhtHX-QkNc89-2bnvYiC-QkNe2u-2b5Rnpx-NHhzqZ-QkHiZL-2in3hcg-NHhp5D-QkHowm-QkHkSd-NHhkY8-2bnwneC/}} Some of Villa Schindler students,"Klavierfestwochen der Villa Schindler mit Star-Pianisten", Kurier, 4 November 2000, p. 14 include pianists: Elisso Bolkvadze, Tamar Beraia, Khatia Buniatishvili, Yana Vassilieva and Anna Fedorova.{{cite news |first=James|last=Manheim|title=Khatia Buniatishvili Biography|publisher=AllMusic|date=15 November 2018|page=21|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/khatia-buniatishvili-mn0002453681/biography}}{{cite news |title=Michel Sogny et ses élèves Alexandra Baranova et Khatia Buniatishvili jouent Prolégomènes|work=beautiful-pianist.info|date=12 October 2020|url=https://www.beautiful-pianist.info/khatia-buniatishvili/174358.html}}

Michel Sogny founded the SOS Talents Foundation whose main goal is to support talented young musicians from economically poor backgrounds (mostly Eastern European countries).Christophe Barbier, « Editorial », Classica L'Express, décembre 2015, p. 3 Pianists who are the nominees of the foundation follow Sogny’s piano method and perform in various concerts.{{cite news |title=Young Georgian pianists to feature in Paris Christmas talents gala|work=Agenda.ge|date=28 November 2019|url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2019/3242}}

The first gala concert of SOS Talents Foundation was held in 2001 at the Marcel Dassault Palace in Paris, under the patronage of Serge and Nicole Dassault. Participants included Sogny’s students Yana Vassileva and Khatia Buniatishvili. The same year Elisso Bolkvadze, Yana Vassilieva, Khatia Buniatishvili and her sister Gvantsa performed at the Théàtre des Champs-Élysées.{{cite news |first=Thierry |last=Hillériteau|title=Yana Vassilieva, la revanche d'une surdouée|work=Le Figaro|date=12 December 2011|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/musique/2011/12/12/03006-20111212ARTFIG00319-yana-vassilieva-la-revanche-d-une-surdouee.php}}{{cite news |first=Mikheil |last=Kalandarishvili|title=Innovative Approaches to Musical Education|work=forbes.ge|date=3 April 2018|url=https://forbes.ge/innovative-approaches-to-musical-education/}}

File:Barbara Tataradze et Ilia Lotatidze avec Michel Sogny.jpg

In 2002, SOS Talents Foundation hosted an international festival in Montreux, Switzerland.Sylvie Bonier, "Les surdoués du clavier ont rendez-vous à Montreux", Tribune de Genève, 25 mars 2002{{cite news |title=Michel Sogny presse Piano Magazine|work=forbes.ge|date=May 2002|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/25232417514/}} Aldo Ciccolini performed along young pianists Elisso Bolkvadze, Tamar Beraia, Khatia Buniatishvili and Yana Vaissileva.

In 2004, in Coppet, Switzerland, Michel Sogny founded the new festival Festival de Piano Michel Sogny.Luca Sabbatini, "Michel Sogny révèle les pianistes de demain", La Tribune de Genève, août 2008

In 2009, under the patronage of President of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus, Sogny hosted a gala concert of SOS Talents Foundation in Vilnius.Mezzo – Philip de la Croix, "Concert SOS Talents en direct de Vilnius Capitale Européenne de la Culture", Mezzo TV, 15 mars 2009

In 2013, Michel Sogny introduces thriller L’Adulte Prodige. The book narrates the story of a young musician Michele Paris.{{cite book |last1=Sogny |first1=Michel |title=L'Adulte Prodige |publisher=Editions France-Empire |isbn=978-2704811854}}

In 2014, Michel Sogny publishes his philosophical work, De Victor Hugo à Dostoïevsky, a dialogue with Alexis Philonenko.{{cite book |last1=Sogny |first1=Michel |last2=Philonenko |first2=Alexis |title=De Victor Hugo à Dostoïevski : Entretiens philosophiques |date=2013 |publisher=Editions France-Empire |isbn=978-2704812356}}

Throughout 2017–2019, Michel Sogny is invited to Georgia to hold master classes in the framework of the Batumi International Festival.{{cite news |title=ვირტუოზი პიანისტები|work=Georgian Public Broadcaster|date=22 September 2019|url=https://1tv.ge/video/virtuozi-pianistebi/}}{{cite news |title=Michel Sogny Piano Method|work=Batumi music fest|date=26 September 2019|url=http://batumifest.ge/musiccamp/eng}} He is accordingly invited to Japan, at Ishikawa Music Academy.{{cite news |title=2019 Ishikawa Music Academy|work=Ishikawa Music Academy|date=26 September 2019|url=http://ishikawa-ma.jp/teacher.html}}

Michel Sogny piano method

{{main|Michel Sogny piano method}}

Sogny’s methodology is taught at his schools in Paris and Geneva. Since 1974, over 20,000 students have learned piano by Sogny’s method.{{cite news |first=Thierry |last=Hillériteau|title=Les antiques accords de Michel Sogny|work=Le Figaro|date=2 May 2014|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/mon-figaro/2014/05/02/10001-20140502ARTFIG00286-les-antiques-accords-de-michel-sogny.php}}{{cite news |title=L'HUMANISTEDE LA MUSIQUE|date=18 May 2017|url=https://studylibfr.com/doc/5076546/de-la-musique---%C3%A9ditions-michel-de-maule}}

The method consists of two main components: Didactic works (Prolégomènes), which are small exercises developing the perception of musical symphony and sound,Stephan Friedrich, "L'Art et la Méthode", Classica L'Express", décembre 2015, p. 4 and a cycle of etudes, which concentrate on developing of technical skills, as hand gestures and positions.Georges Hilleret, "Le bonheur de jouer Bach après quelques mois de pratique", Télé 7 Jours, 26 mai 1984

One of Sogny’s students, who started piano practice as an adult, was French language professor Michel Paris.Stephan Friedrich, "Michèle Paris – L'adulte prodige", Classica L'Express, décembre 2014, p. 9 After completing Sogny’s four-year methodology course, at the age of 30 she performed a solo concert at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées with the patronage of Ministry of Culture.Edgar Schneider, "Jours de France", Le Carnet de la Semaine, 3 mai 1980

In 1981, the French Senate formally addressed the Minister of Culture, Jack Lang to discuss the introduction of Sogny's methodology throughout France.{{cite news |title=Enseignement de la musique : extension du centre Michel Sogny – Sénat|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/60784876@N06/25294925464}}

On June 24, 2023, Michel Sogny received the Grand Prix Alain Fournier for his book "L'Adulte Prodige" awarded at La Sorbonne by "Accademia Euromediterrania delle ARTI"[https://www.paeseroma.it/esteri/2023/07/03/a-parigi-festival-art-et-livres-2023-grand-prix-alain-fournier-e-grand-prix-excellence-saint-germain-de-pres/ A Parigi Festival “Art et livres” 2023, Grand Prix Alain Fournier e Grand Prix Excellence Saint Germain de Prés]

== Literary works ==

  • L'admiration créatrice chez Liszt{{cite book |last1=Sogny |first1=Michel |title=L'admiration créatrice chez Liszt |date=1975 |publisher=Buchet-Chastel |isbn=2702015379}}
  • Le solfège sans soupir (Nouvelle édition entièrement remaniée éditions Sirella) (1984)
  • Abrégé de solfège (Sirella)
  • La méthode en question(s) (Sirella)
  • La méthode en action (Guide de l’Élève éditions Sirella)
  • Initiation à l'art de la composition musicale (Sirella){{cite web |title=SOGNY MICHEL |url=https://www.artchipel.net/auteur/michel-sogny/ |website=Les Editions Musicales Artchipel |publisher=Les Editions Musicales Artchipel |access-date=28 December 2024}}
  • La Musique en Question, entretiens avec Monique Philonenko Ed. Michel de Maule (2009){{cite book |last1=Sogny |first1=Michel |title=Musique en Question |date=2009 |publisher=Michel de Maule |isbn=2876232421}}
  • L'adulte prodige – Le rêve au bout des doigts Editions France-Empire (2013)
  • De Victor Hugo à Dostoïevski – Entretiens philosophiques avec Alexis Philonenko, Editions France-Empire (2013)

== Scores ==

  • Dérive pour piano (Durand)
  • Entrevisions 12 pièces pour piano (Durand)
  • 12 études pour piano dans le style hongrois Séries I à IV (Durand)
  • Hommage à Franz Liszt (Durand)
  • Aquaprisme (Durand)
  • 3 Pièces dans le style hongrois (Durand){{cite web |title=Sogny, Michel: Works |url=https://www.durand-salabert-eschig.com/en-GB/Composers/S/Sogny-Michel.aspx |website=Durand Salabert Eschig |publisher=Durand Salabert Eschig |access-date=28 December 2024}}
  • 12 pièces pour piano pour la main droit seule (à France Clidat) (Artchipel)
  • 48 Etudes de Perfectionnement (Artchipel)
  • Etudes pour piano Séries I à IV (Artchipel)
  • 24 Pensées Vagabondes (Artchipel)
  • Paralipomènes à une eidétique musicale 14 pièces pour piano (Artchipel)
  • Pièces de concert pour piano (Artchipel)
  • Prolegomenes à une eidetique musicale (series I à VII) (Artchipel){{cite web |title=SOGNY Michel |url=https://www.artchipel.net/en/produit_cat/score/?compositeur=4207 |website=Les Editions Musicales Artchipel |publisher=Les Editions Musicales Artchipel |access-date=28 December 2024}}

Honours and awards

  • Order of Honor, Georgia (2017){{cite news|title=French composer receives Georgian Medal of Honour|url=http://agenda.ge/news/86607/eng|access-date=10 September 2017|work=Agenda.ge|date=10 September 2017}}
  • Honorary Consul of Lituania in Switzerland[http://ch.mfa.lt/ch/en/honorary-consuls/in-switzerland Honorary consuls of Lithuania in Switzerland]
  • UNESCO Diploma of Honour (1994){{cn|date=December 2024}}
  • United Nations Peace Medal (1986){{cn|date=December 2024}}

References