- Gatefold Album Cover
This album "L'Heptade" is the third and final album from Harmonium. It was released as a double-LP in 1976 and is considered by some critics to be one of the most important Québécois albums in popular music.
Québec's beloved progressive folk-rock pioneers, Harmonium, reached their creative zenith with their 1976 double-LP masterpiece, 'L'Heptade'. Housed in a striking gatefold sleeve, this expansive album marked not only the pinnacle of their career but also its bittersweet conclusion.
Pushing Boundaries
Released amidst the shifting musical trends of the late '70s, 'L'Heptade' found Harmonium at their most adventurous. Their signature blend of folk, prog-rock, and classical influences reached new heights of complexity and emotional resonance. Longer compositions, denser arrangements, and moments of startling experimentation characterized this final chapter in the band's story.
A Concept...or Not?
While sometimes labeled a concept album, 'L'Heptade' maintains a lyrical ambiguity. Themes of duality, the journey of life, and spiritual searching permeate frontman Serge Fiori's enigmatic words, but the precise narrative, if there is one, remains open to interpretation. This adds a layer of mystique fitting for an album of such grand ambition.
Musical Odyssey
From the rousing opener 'Prologue' to the gentle fadeout of 'Epilogue', 'L'Heptade' takes the listener on a winding sonic journey. Tracks like 'Comme un Fou' and the side-long 'L'Exil' showcase the band's instrumental virtuosity, while the melancholic beauty of 'Sommeil Sans Rêves' and the epic 'Lumière de Vie' highlight their songwriting maturity.
Production Prowess
The album's rich sonic textures are a testament to the production skills of Michel Lachance. Lachance's work captured the nuanced interplay between acoustic and electric instruments, the warmth of the vocals, and the subtle atmospheric touches that elevate 'L'Heptade' beyond a mere collection of songs.
Music Genre: Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "HARMONIUM - L'Heptade 2LP FOC" was produced by: Michel Lachance This album was recorded at the home of Serge Fiori |
Record Label & Catalognr: CBS 88234 |
Album Description: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 430 gram |
Year & Country: 1976 Made in Holland |
Complete Track-listing of the album "HARMONIUM - L'Heptade 2LP FOC" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "HARMONIUM - L'Heptade 2LP FOC" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Record Label Details: CBS 88234 © Copyright CBS Inc Sound Copyright
Record Label Details: CBS 88234 © Copyright CBS Inc Sound Copyright
Lyrics of the songs on L'Heptade album
Portrait photos of the Harmonium band-members on one of the original custom inner sleeves
Record Label Details: CBS 88234 © Copyright CBS Inc Sound Copyright
Record Label Details: CBS 88234 © Copyright CBS Inc Sound Copyright
Harmonium is a Canadian progressive rock band that is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential bands in the history of Canadian music. Their music is characterized by its intricate and melodic arrangements, lush harmonies, and poetic lyrics. While the band never achieved mainstream success outside of Quebec, their music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
Discover Harmonium's debut album, a folk-prog gem from 1970s Québec. This self-titled masterpiece blends acoustic beauty with progressive ambition, featuring the iconic "Pour un instant."
Harmonium 12" Vinyl LPFrom the moment the needle touches the grooves of the vinyl record, an enchanting soundscape unfolds. The album's second track, "Dixie", immediately captures attention with its delicate piano melody
Les Cinq Saisons 12" Vinyl LPReleased amidst the shifting musical trends of the late '70s, 'L'Heptade' found Harmonium at their most adventurous. Their signature blend of folk, prog-rock, and classical influences reached new heights of complexity
L'Heptade 12" Vinyl LP