PHILIPPE LEROUX (b.1959): Voi(rex) for Voice, 6 Instruments and Electronics (Donatienne Dansac [soprano], Ensemble L'Itinéraire; Pierre-André Valade), Plus loin for Large Orchestra (Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France; Valade), M for 2 Pianos, 2 Percussionists and Electronics (David Chevalier, Fuminori Tanada [pianos], Christophe Bredeloup, Isabelle Cornelis [percussion]).

Description: The most immediately striking aspect of VOI(REX) (the second syllable should properly by printed vertically, allowing three possible readings, of which "voix" is the most pertinent) is the vast array of vocal techniques and expressions required of the singer. Heard simply as an exercise in vocal virtuosity, the piece is impressive. The electronics (some of the sounds themselves derived from vocal effects) and instruments serve to frame and extend the always central voice part. The work is highly theatrical, even quasi-operatic in scope. This extension of musical resources is also central to Plus loin, an organic, evolving structure for large orchestra, somewhat reminiscent of Grisey in its richness of texture and exuberant use of color and timbre. M adds electronics to Bartók's two pianos and percussion, but the work's emphasis on sonority and fluidity places the work at some remove from the tightly argued musical drama of that obvious model. Curiously, this work is the most consonant here, achieving a kind of euphonious sensuality despite its modern idiom, and rendering it the most obviously approachable.