French composer Alain Bancquart (b.1934) is one of the leading composers of microtonal music in Europe. Labyrinthe du Minotaur explores the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinthe. This large scale piece constantly delves into microtonal and harmonic relationships together with a lyrical polyphony. It is based on texts by his wife, author Marie-Claire Bancquart. The unusual instrumental ensemble incorporates (in addition to the above musicians): pianos in quarter- and sixteenth-tones, electric guitar, 2 viola d’amore, harp, 2 percussionists, 5 cellos, and magnetic tape.

The ensemble is comprised of leading European performers including Pierre-Yves Artaud (flute), Pascal Gallois (bassoon), Carol Robinson (clarinet), vocal ensemble Voxnova, Martine Joste (piano), Gerard Pape (sound projection), Nicholas Isherwood (bass), and Roland Auzet (cymbalum), among others.

The recording is of the world première of the complete version, at Radio-France, May 27th 2000. Liner notes are by the composer and full texts in English and French are included.

Text: Marie-Claire Bancquart
CD 1: Prologue (21:24), Icare (20:02), Labyrinthe / miroir (15:21)
CD 2: Solitude du Minotaure (22:03), Meurtre (34:11), Epilogue (9:01)

Voices: Nicholas Isherwood, bass; Ensemble Voxnova
Flute: Pierre-Yves Artaud
Clarinets: Carol Robinson, Jérome Voisin
Bassoon: Pascal Gallois
Electric guitar: Claude Pavy
Cymbalum: Roland Auzet
Percussion: Emmanuel Curt, Thierry Briard
Harp: Virginie Tarète
Pianos: Martine Joste, Sylvaine Billier, Brice Pauset
Celli: Pierre Morlet (solo), Frédéric Baldassaré, Romain Garioud, Florian Lauridon, Michel Poulet
Sound projection: Gerard Pape
Direction: Alain Bancquart