Commissioned by the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble in theyear of its fiftieth anniversary, OPUS 60, is made of three parts –Glockenspiel, Tambour à Corde, Sigh – that are very different in morphology butobviously complementary. Many different characteristics differentiate theseparts while uniting them at the same time. Ten instruments appear, based in thesuccessive concepts of resonances of metallic origin, the sound idea offriction, and finally, the evocation of an essential breath. The three partsare imbued with various memories: a pavane strutting like chaconne, a scherzowith trio and a very slow ostinato.
Without beingdirectly inspired by the words of Philippe Jaccottet, I beleive OPUS 60 ishumbly but very directly inscribed in the dual questioning mentioned above: thenatural birth of writings and the mystery of unity.
The piece isdedicated to a dear friend, Jacques Leduc, on the occasion of his 80thbirthday.