Collection: Michel Godard

Michel Godard (born October 3, 1960 in Héricourt, France) is a French musician in high demand internationally, setting standards in jazz and improvisation as well as classical and early music. He is best known as a tuba player whose technical virtuosity and tonal diversity on the tuba are outstanding, as well as for his playing on the serpent, a historical precursor to the tuba, which he has revived and further developed.

Godard began his musical training at an early age and has been performing regularly as a soloist and ensemble member since the late 1980s. As an improvisational musician, he has collaborated with a number of internationally renowned jazz and improvisational artists, exploring stylistic boundaries between jazz, early music, and contemporary improvisation. His work as a composer and performer is characterized by the combination of diverse musical influences, timbres, and traditions.

Since 2002, Michel Godard has been teaching the serpent at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique in Paris, where he encourages new generations of musicians to engage in the historical performance practice of this instrument.

Repertoire and artistic focus

Michel Godard's artistic spectrum encompasses classical music, avant-garde jazz, improvised music, and the revival of historical timbres through the serpent. His work is characterized by a combination of technical virtuosity, motivic curiosity, and harmonic openness, which can be heard both in his interpretation of early music and in freer, improvised contexts.

Recordings on Carpe Diem Records

The albums featuring Michel Godard on Carpe Diem Records reflect various facets of his artistic work. They combine elements of early music, jazz improvisation, and chamber music intimacy in a sound space that connects old and new forms of expression. These productions place particular emphasis on highest sonic quality and transparency to express the magic of the serpent sound at every detail.

These recordings give the listener access to both the fascinating world of the serpent and Godard's unique musical language.

Official profiles & music

Michel Godard is represented on the following official platforms:

Michel Godard on Wikipedia

Michel Godard on Instagram

Michel Godard on Facebook

Listen to Michel Godard on Spotify // Apple Music // Deezer