Dutilleux's compositional catalogue is small, with each work building on the last while exploring fundamental philosophical questions about music's relationship to the world and infinite spaces.
Composition History
The cello concerto "Tout un monde lointain…" was commissioned by Mstislav Rostropovich, who premiered it in 1970 at the Aix-en-Provence Festival.
Composer Biography
Henri Dutilleux, born in 1916, studied piano and composition at the Paris Conservatoire, where he prepared for the prestigious Prix de Rome.
Compositional Technique
The Second Symphony, "Le Double," features a unique orchestral setup with a group of twelve solo instruments within the traditional large orchestra, creating a "mirror game" rather than a concerto grosso.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Dutilleux preferred the term "métabole" over "metamorphosis" to describe his compositional process, which he saw as reflecting the continuous transformations found in nature.
Composition History
Dutilleux's Second Symphony, subtitled "Le Double," was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Foundation for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1959.
Compositional Technique
Dutilleux's "Timbres, espace, mouvement, ou 'La Nuit étoilée'" omits violins and violas, instead multiplying woodwind instruments and using a rich array of metallic percussion to create a unique soundscape.
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