Lysight, Michel

Platinum

clarinet and violoncello

Platinum (2021) is part of a series of duets that illustrate a metal, such as Tin, Cobalt, Titanium, Palladium, Promethium or Mercury.

The composer’s characteristic breathless and obsessive rhythmic style is omnipresent. Rapid register jumps, combined with great rhythmic virtuosity, often create the auditory illusion of more than two instruments playing simultaneously. Various expressive motifs in long notes punctuate the discourse and are superimposed on various rhythmic ostinatos. This is followed by a more moderate section written in a Baroque-style, but this is short-lived as the opening themes return to bring the work to a dazzling conclusion.

The world premiere, performed by the dedicatees Ronald Van Spaendonck (clarinet) and Marie Hallynck (cello), took place on 14 September 2025 at the Atelier Marcel Hastir in Brussels.

A friendly note: duets of this kind are traditionally sold as a pair of scores. To make life easier (for instance, if one part ever goes astray), we are happy to offer the parts individually. We trust you’ll forgive us for gently asking that, for a first purchase, you order two copies rather than resorting to photocopying. Many thanks for your understanding and for supporting the music.