HARMONIUM - L'HEPTADE 2LP 12" VINYL Album

- 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.

 

HARMONIUM - L'Heptade Gatefold 2LP 12" VINYL Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

'L'Heptade' Album Description:

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 Record
Total 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:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Prologue" (interlude) – 4:20
  2. "Comme un fou" (music: Serge Fiori, Michel Normandeau) – 7:50
  3. "Sommeil sans rêves" (interlude) – 1:25
  4. "Chanson noire" – 8:12
  5. "A. Le bien, le mal" (lyrics: Serge Fiori) - 3:39
  6. "B. Pour une blanche cérémonie" (music: Serge Fiori, Serge Locat) - 4:32
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. "Le premier ciel" – 11:19
  2. "L'appel" (Interlude) - 0:10
  3. "Le premier ciel" - 11:09
  4. "L'exil" – 12:56
  5. "Sur une corde raide" (Interlude) - 0:17
  6. "L'exil" (lyrics: Serge Fiori) - 12:39
    Track-listing Side Three:
  1. "Le corridor" – 8:10
  2. "Le corridor" (lead vocals: Monique Fauteux) - 6:33
  3. "Les premières lumières" (Interlude) - 1:37
  4. "Lumières de vie" – 14:12
  5. "A. Lumières de nuit" - 6:59
  6. "B. Éclipse" (instrumental) (music: Neil Chotem) - 1:27
  7. "C. Lumière de jour" (instrumental) (music: Serge Locat) - 3:09
  8. "D. Lumière de vie" (instrumental) (music: Serge Fiori, Serge Locat, Louis Valois) - 2:38
    Track-listing Side Four:
  1. "Comme un sage" – 14:04
  2. "Prelude d'amour" (Interlude) - 0:41
  3. "Comme un sage" (lyrics: Serge Fiori) (lead vocals: Serge Fiori and Estelle Ste-Croix) - 13:23
  4. "Épilogue" (interlude) – 2:50

Index of HARMONIUM Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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.

HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled
HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled album front cover vinyl record

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."

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HARMONIUM - Les Cinq Saisons
HARMONIUM - Les Cinq Saisons album front cover vinyl record

From 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

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HARMONIUM - L'Heptade
HARMONIUM - L'Heptade album front cover vinyl record

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

L'Heptade 12" Vinyl LP