Pousseur: Couleurs croisées & La seconde apothéose de Rameau

Bartholomee, Pierre, Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles

CYP 4621

Henri Pousseur is generally seen as the main champion of new music in Belgium during the past century. His work, nevertheless, is often misunderstood and, above all, often judged without any knowledge. Still extremely active as a composer, he has the serene resolution of those who build an « œuvre », and do not fear posterity’s judgments. Better known outside his own country, he deserves a bow for the coherence of his artistic journey across the second half of the 20th Century – no doubt one of the most impressive in the cultural history of Belgium in that era. Together with the first complete publication of his theoretical writings in French, here is a new CD with two essential works for great ensembles (1967 and 1981), conducted by their first performer, a faithful artistic mate: Pierre Bartholomée. Bartholomée finds here back, for a new recording, the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble which he established more than forty years ago. The illuminating notes by Robert Wangermée, tracing with objectivity, but also with tenderness, Pousseur’s career, will accompany a listening which will surprise many by the audacious, refined and seductive modern style.

CD x 1

Cypres

4/3/06

5412217046217