Composed in 1990, Chronographie I for five instruments is Michel Lysight’s first work in a repetitive idiom and marks a decisive aesthetic turning point in his compositional trajectory. It is the inaugural piece in a series of Chronographies linked by a shared five-note set (C, E, B, G, A), which serves as a generative element — either melodic or harmonic — across the cycle. In Chronographie I, this material plays a central role.
The thematic material is built through the gradual accumulation of short rhythmic cells. These are repeated and developed until the piece reaches a central climax, creating a sense of sonic saturation. From this dense texture, more lyrical melodic lines emerge, weaving a contrapuntal dialogue with the rhythmic patterns. The texture then slowly dissolves as elements are progressively withdrawn, until only the original cell — played softly on the clarinet — remains, fading nearly to silence. The work concludes with a sudden and compact restatement of the five-note motif in a tightly woven canon by the full ensemble.
The piece was revised by the composer in 2009.
Chronographie I has been recorded on the CD Labyrinthes by Zygmunt Marek Kowalski (violin), Denis-Pierre Gustin (flute), Olivier Habran (oboe), Ronald Van Spaendonck (clarinet), Pierre-Olivier Martens (bassoon), Jean-Pierre Dassonville (horn), Amaryllis Grégoire (soprano), Leonardo Anglani (piano), and Joseph Grau (recorders), released on the Cypres label (CYPRES 4602).
Another recording is available by the ZOAR Ensemble.
This work is available as Hard Copy at
13,50 €