A philanthropist, visionry, mystic, poet and writer, Louis Riel was above all a political leader venerated by his people. he could inspire admiration, but he could also arouse the hostility and even the hatred of his adversaries. He founded Manitoba, yet remains one of the most unrecognized and controversial figures in Canadian history.

It was with the hope of forming an accurate idea of what had taken place during the Métis uprisings in Manitoba (1869-70) and Saskatchewan (1885) that in 1995 I began researching the subject that was to fascinate me completely. It would finally take four years to select and fully develop the central events that are represented in the twenty tableaux of this historical epic. With the invaluable collaboration of Bob Olivier I then created the work's libretto. As for the booklet that accompanies these compact discs, Les Écrits complets de Louis Riel ( The Complete Writings of Louis Riel, a five-volume collection of documents published by The University of Alberta Press in 1985) stood out as the leading reference work amongst the many I consulted. More than just an inestimable source of information, it reveals his true thoughts and motivations to us. At the same time the music was coming together, drawn from a variety of sources. It blends original compositions and improvised pieces (for solo, duet or ensemble) coupled with traditional airs of the period which I have arranged (gigues, native chants, French-Canadian songs and military music).

To my great happiness, all of the musicians and narrators whom I had hoped would collaborate in the projet accepted enthusiastically. I would like to applaud both their magnificent interpretations and their generosity- the experience was momentous and remarkable.

Finally with this musical plea in defence of Louis Riel I add my voice to those of all who hope to denounce the terrible injustice committed against him and his people. A fair tribute to this national hero, unjustly accused of high treason, is long overdue.

Normand Guilbeault, Montréal, 11. 1999

From "Ceintures fléchées" to incandescence, from military marches to New Orleans-style funeral marches, from old French songs to airs with an Arabic flavor, from the reels of Riel's time to real frenzy, Guilbeault has fashioned a show that is both solemn and bewitching, a long lament both genuine and inspired by its many influences.

Mario Cloutier, Le Devoir

Louis Riel's Biography