Chamber Symphony

Composed in 2011, the Chamber Symphony is an expanded orchestral version of Michel Lysight’s Sextuor for wind quintet and piano, originally written in 1990. The earlier work marked a major turning point in the composer’s stylistic evolution, paving the way for this reimagined version.

While earlier pieces such as Réflexion (1982) and Soleil bleu (1989) still bear the imprint of major 20th-century figures — Debussy, Bartók, Stravinsky and others — the discovery of North American minimalism (notably Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and John Adams) proved decisive, as did exposure to the music of Schnittke, Górecki, and Pärt.

Firmly rooted in the aesthetics of New Consonant Music, the Chamber Symphony is cast in three movements, each built upon variations of a harmonic sequence. The work is characterised by a strong melodic presence, a refined treatment of rhythm, and a meticulous exploration of orchestral colour.

The world premiere took place in Brussels on 2 October 2011 at Saint Mark’s Church, performed by the Orchestra of the 21st Century under the direction of the composer, in a concert entirely devoted to his music.

Three CD recordings of the original Sextuor version are available: the first by Ensemble Claventi (René Gailly label, now out of print); the second by soloists of the Musique Royale des Guides (Mirasound 500.135); and the third, released in 2011 by the Quartz Ensemble on the Quartziade label.