Siberil Soïg: Virtuoso of Breton Music
Breton Guitarist Soïg Siberil dies at 70
CARHAIX, France – Soïg Siberil, a highly influential guitarist known for his innovative approach to Breton music, died saturday in Carhaix.he was 70.
News of Siberil’s death prompted tributes from fellow musicians, remembering his skill, humor, and pioneering spirit.
Singer Clarisse Lavanant dedicated her Sunday concert in Ploudaniel to Siberil’s memory. She recalled a recording session where Siberil’s lightheartedness helped ease tension. “It was more than good to have crossed your path, even if it hurts today,” Lavanant saeid.
Remembering a “Traveling Companion”
Denez Prigent, a fellow Breton musician, mourned the loss of a “traveling companion.” Prigent fondly remembered their performances together across Brittany and in locations as far-flung as Reunion, China, and Norway. “He had agreed to be a guitarist in my training… he was a soloist, an artist with lots of aura!” Prigent said.
A Pioneer of Open Tuning
Siberil’s impact on Breton music is widely recognized, particularly his adaptation of open tuning. “He was a pioneer, it was he who launched, adapted the open tuning (open agreement) to Breton music,” Prigent noted. “It was the first and he went to school, almost all musicians play this way!”
Prigent explained that Siberil tuned his guitar similarly to Irish guitarists, a departure from standard tuning. “It was a revolution in breton music, especially in music in Danse,” he said. “The reference was Siberil.”
Tributes from Fellow Musicians
Alan Stivell described Siberil as a “virtuoso,but which was anything but showing off… a virtuoso with sensitivity,generosity,enormous humility!” Stivell emphasized Siberil’s humility,”remarkable joie de vivre and kindness.”
Lavanant hailed Siberil as a “big musician, in the inimitable and avant-garde guitar game.”
Guitarist Jean-Félix Lalanne, brother of singer Francis Lalanne, expressed his sorrow at the loss of his ”friend and partner.” Lalanne recalled nearly 30 years of shared music, laughter, and camaraderie, calling Siberil “a marvelous musician, surely the funniest man I know!”
Remembering Soïg Siberil: A Pioneer of Breton Music
Who Was Soïg Siberil?
Soïg Siberil was a highly influential Breton guitarist, celebrated for his innovative approach to Breton music. He died on Saturday in Carhaix at the age of 70.
What made Soïg siberil So Influential?
Siberil’s influence stemmed from several key contributions. Primarily, he was a pioneer in adapting open tuning to Breton music. His skill, humor, and pioneering spirit were widely recognized. Fellow musicians recall his impact on breton music, and also his humility, kindness, and joy for life.
What is Open Tuning and How Did Siberil Use It?
Open tuning is a guitar tuning method where the strings are tuned to create a chord when strummed open (without fretting). Soïg siberil adapted open tuning to Breton music, similar to how Irish guitarists tuned thier guitars, departing from standard tuning. This was considered a revolution in Breton music, especially in the “Danse” style.
How Did Othre Musicians Remember Soïg Siberil?
Tributes from fellow musicians highlighted Siberil’s meaningful impact:
Clarisse Lavanant: Dedicated a concert to his memory, recalling his lightheartedness.
Denez Prigent: Mourned the loss of a “traveling companion,” recalling performances across Brittany and internationally. He also acknowledged Siberil as a soloist with “lots of aura.”
Alan Stivell: Described Siberil as a “virtuoso” with humility, sensitivity, generosity, and kindness.
Jean-Félix Lalanne: Expressed sorrow at the loss of a “friend and partner,” recalling decades of shared music and camaraderie.
In What Ways Was soïg siberil Considered a Pioneer?
Siberil was a pioneer in adapting open tuning to Breton music. Denez Prigent noted that Siberil “launched, adapted the open tuning (open agreement) to Breton music.” Because of his influence, ”almost all musicians play this way!”
What Were Some of Siberil’s Collaborative Performances?
The provided article mentions that Denez Prigent and Soïg Siberil performed together across Brittany and in locations as far-flung as Reunion, China, and Norway.
Can You Summarize siberil’s Key Contributions and Characteristics?
Here’s a summary:
| Contribution/Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Pioneer of Open Tuning | Adapted open tuning to Breton music, revolutionizing the genre. |
| Virtuoso Guitarist | Known for skill and artistry. |
| Collaborative Spirit | Performed with other Breton musicians, including Denez Prigent. |
| Humility and Joy | Described as humble, kind, and possessing “remarkable joie de vivre.” |