Since his first radio words behind the windshields of Radio Stolliahc, in Sens, Franck Médioni, journalist and writer specializing in jazz, has continued to portray the great figures of this musical movement. Build relationships, too, with them. He modestly evokes his friend Martial Solal, legendary French jazz pianist, who died on December 12, 2024. In 2008, he participated in the writing of the pianist’s memoirs, Martial Solal, My life on a stool (South Acts). First biographical step for the Senonese writer who has since published extensively. In 2024, he will have authored three works. The last one, The words of music, 222 musicians of the 20th century by 222 writers (Fayard), as writer and publishing director. Encounter.
The work therefore involves 222 authors to evoke 222 musicians: why this number?
Initially, the director of Fayard asked me for 100 texts. Initially, the aim was to bring together 111 authors. This was in reference to opus 111, which is a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed between 1820 and 1822 (Piano Sonata number 32 in C minor, opus 111, editor’s note). The final cadence is jazz before jazz. It’s swing, and it’s very astonishing. Subsequently, I got carried away and reached 120. The editor didn’t tell me anything, so I continued, finally arriving at 222.
How did you make your choice among all the musicians of the 20th century?
