Rachel Talitman, harp; Mavroudes Troullos, bassoon; Jean-Marc Fessard, clarinet; Ensemble MendelssohnHarp & Co. CD 505052Released on 9th August 2024
A Belgo-Canadian composer and conductor born in 1958; Michel Lysight is considered one of the greatest representatives of the postmodern movement. After his studies and multiple prizes, the up-to-date Lysight’s catalogue lists one hundred and eighty works of all genres: symphonies, orchestral works, concertos, chamber music and vocal music. The discovery of composers such as Steve Reich, John Adams and Arvo Pärt marked a turning point in his musical evolution. Today he is one of the major personalities in New Consonant Music in Belgium. His musical language is characterized by intense lyricism and rhythmic exigency.
Dedicated to Rachel Talitman and Jean-Marc Fessard, Equinox (2023) was composed specifically for the recording of this world premier album. A work with a melodic motif that later on is developed through frequent changes of modes and rhythmical elements creating a dialog between the harp and the clarinet. Both Talitman and Fessard impress with their musical and technical abilities.
Another world premier work in this album is the Concerto Grosso for clarinet, bassoon, harp and string orchestra (or quintet) composed in 2023 as well and dedicated to Rachel Talitman, Jean-Marc Fessard and Mavroudes Troullos. It consists of three movements. The lyrical and expressive lines on the clarinet and bassoon melt together with the harp’s rapid arpeggios. The second movement starts with a meditative motif played on the harp leading to a dramatic climax developed by all the instruments. The third movement consists of different elements such rhythmic ostinato, melodic lines and sixteenth-note motif. The third movement of the concerto opens with the bassoon tenor register and Troullos’ innate artistry. The movement leads to the harp cadenza played masterfully by Talitman.
Last but not least, the CD is surrounded by Tanka for clarinet and harp, Enigma for clarinet, bassoon and harp, Minimal Harp and Meditation for bassoon and harp. Troullos and Talitman perform Lysight’s Meditation with deep spirituality and strikingly expressive timbre. The album concludes with the energetic Energie Noire for clarinet, harp, percussion and string quintet.
An outstanding release.
