Chronographie IX

Composed in 2005, Chronographie IX was commissioned by the International Adolphe Sax Competition in Dinant for its 2006 edition. It forms part of a series of works unified by a shared melodic-harmonic cell (C, E, B, G, A), which may be transposed as needed.

Originally written for alto saxophone and piano, the piece was later arranged by the composer for bassoon, bass clarinet, and flute, adapting the writing to the idiomatic possibilities of each instrument.

The overall character of Chronographie IX is that of a relentless headlong rush — a race to the abyss — demanding extreme virtuosity and precise rhythmic control from both performers. A brief lyrical interlude appears shortly before the end, offering a momentary respite, but this proves deceptive: the feverish momentum resumes, driving the piece to its breathless conclusion.

Chronographie IX (bassoon and piano version), Deux Esquisses (for wind quartet), Thrène (for alto flute and piano), Sextuor (for wind quintet and piano), Pentagramme (for wind quintet), and Cosmographic Mystery (for horn) are all recorded by the Quartz Ensemble on the CD Cosmographies (Quartziade 014).