For the first time, the music of French electro-acoustic lynchpin, Jérôme Noetinger is played by an instrumental group, Ensemble Phoenix Basel with uniquely dynamic, rugged results for Poland’s Bocian Records. In June 2012, Ensemble Phoenix Basel commissioned me to create a work for them to play. It was the first time in my life I had received such a request. After several months of reflection, I accepted and began working on a way of communicating a music with other musicians.
Not knowing classical notation, I decided to do what I do know: that being, working with recording and loops, and thereafter, ask the musicians to play by ear. After a first session, having their interpretations in mind, I could reorganise it all taking into account the physical limits of each instrument. I am very happy with this experience and warmly thank everyone in the Ensemble Phoenix for having made this possible.
The title, “Les voix de l'invisible” (The voice of the invisible) is inspired by Pascal Quignard's book, “La haine de la musique” (The hate of music).” Jérôme Noetinger (translated by Liz Racz) Ensemble Phoenix Basel. Christoph Bösch, flute. Toshiko Sakakibara, clarinet. Raphael Camenisch, saxophone. Samuel Wettstein, synthesizer. Maurizio Grandinetti, electric guitar. Aleksander Gabrys, doublebass. Daniel Buess, percussion and electronics. Thomas Peter, electronics. Jérome Noetinger, composition, Revox tape machines.
Recorded live at Gare du Nord Basel, 14 & 15 June 2013. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Alex Buess.