To the sound of classical music
During the Ancien Régime, the musicians attracted by the Court to Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles were countless, including Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687), Philippe Quinault (1635-1688) and Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764). The contemporary period is dominated by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924), a composer recognized as the founder of French chamber music, who lived for a time in Rambouillet and spent the summers of 1885 and 1887 in Le Vésinet. It was here that he composed the orchestral version of his Pavane, dedicated to Countess Grefullhe. He also owned a summer residence at Bas-Prunay in Bougival, inherited from his parents-in-law. Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), author of Boléro, Concerto pour la main gauche and L'Enfant et les sortilèges, spent the end of his life in Montfort-l'Amaury, where he wrote some of his most famous pieces. He is still celebrated there every October during the "Ravel Days".
Cultural events and festivals
A number of events in the département are well worth a visit, and are sure to delight music lovers of all kinds. In Mantes-la-Jolie, France's biggest blues festival, "Blues en Seine", takes place every November. Jazz is celebrated in Maisons-Laffitte (June) and Auffargis (January). The "Fêtes Romantiques" in Croissy is a major event, featuring period instruments such as the Pleyel piano. In fine weather, several festivals complete the musical picture: the "Festival Toumélé" in Maule, the "Eole Factory Festival" in Mantes-la-Jolie, the "Versailles Electro Festival"..
Instruments
Two musical instrument manufacturers have set up shop in Mantes-la-Ville. The first is Henri Selmer Paris, established here in 1919. Founded by the famous clarinettist of the same name, over 22,000 instruments are built here every year - 80% of them saxophones. The company also produced guitars between 1932 and 1952. The town is also home to Buffet Crampon, the world's leading producer of Boehm clarinets. It also builds oboes and bassoons.
