Born in 1941 in Belfort, Bernard Andrès won a first place prize in harp at the Conservatoire de Paris before joining the Radio-France Philharmonic Orchestra as a soloist (1969-2005). This prolific composer defines himself as a “mélodiste”: “Basically, I think that the instrument I prefer is the voice. I would sometimes turn the harp into singing, but it’s very difficult.” His music is undeniably part of a French spirit dominated by melodic charm, conciseness of form, and harmonic refinement. Published in 1977, the Automates collection presents itself as a continuation in the old style where twelve short dance movements follow each other: Menuet – Pavane – Bourrée – Sarabande – Gaillarde – Sicilienne – Gigue -Tambourin – Rigaudon – Gavotte – Passepied – Marche.