New Consonant Music

The basic idea of the “Chronographies” is to compose a series of pieces that are independent of each other, but all based on a minimum unifying material of 5 notes (G, B, F sharp, D, E), which can of course be transposed. There are currently twelve “Chronographies” for various formations.

Chronographie III (1996) for two instruments and piano (or harp) allows dozens of possible versions from an instrumental point of view. Indeed, “voice I” can be played by different instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, recorder, saxophone, trumpet, vibraphone and marimba or violin) as well as “voice II” (alto flute, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, horn, alto, marimba, accordion, cello or double bass). In the form ABCB’, Chronography III is a piece in contrasts : It calls upon a very great rhythmic virtuosity through the use of repeated fragments, polyrhythms and asymmetrical measures. The progressive construction of three distinct themes that end up being superimposed leads to the climax that concludes this first part. B is a much more vocal and expressive part that allows the performers to show their sense of dialogue, balance and beauty of sound. C, also very virtuoso, justifies belonging to the “Chronographies” series by the use of the common five-note material mentioned above. B’ brings back B’s theme, but instrumented differently to end in a very calm and nostalgic atmosphere.

Recorded on 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 (sopran), Leonardo Anglani (piano), Joseph Grau (recorders) : CYPRES 4602.