PASCAL DUSAPIN (b.1955): For Cello: Incisa, Item, Invece, Immer, Iota, Imago, For Clarinet: If, Ipso, For Clarinet and Cello: Laps, Ohé.

Description: These solo and duo works, mostly featuring the cello, for which the composer seems to have a special affinity, presented chronologically, chart an interesting course in Dusapin's compositional development. He studied with Xenakis, and the electrifying sonorities and tumultuous energy of the works from the 1980s recall the older composer. Harsh, rough sounds and aggressive playing are the norm; tonality is not. By the early 1990s, the composer's interest in the modal systems of various ethnicities starts to assert itself, and by the time of Immer (1996), the music is richly modal, with imitation of middle-Eastern instrumental techniques and Dusapin's trademark "Melodies 'de (faux) chants populaires’ - (false) folk songs" - original melodies that imitate folk traditions. The common factor throughout is the music's irresistible energy and flamboyant virtuosity. 2 CDs. Arne Deforce (cello), Benjamin Dieltjens (clarinet).