Chronographie I (2nd ed.)

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 The texture then slowly dissolves as elements are progressively withdrawn, until only the original cell — played softly on the clarinet — remains, fading nearly to silence.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.