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Troposphère

Daniel Leduc

Programme notes

Troposphère is a suite of four short works in minimalist style. It was realized through a heuristic composition process by stratifying layers of sound. The troposphere is that part of the atmosphere between the ground and the stratosphere (which in turn begins between 6 and 17 km above the ground).


Troposphère was realized at the composer’s studio in March and April 1997 and premiered on May 1, 1997 during the concert Hautes tensions presented by ACREQ at Usine C in Montréal. It was a commission by ACREQ that was made possible with the help of the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA). With thanks to Chantal Fournier, whose voice is heard on the final piece.

Premiere

  • May 1, 1997, Hautes tensions, Usine C, Montréal (Québec)
  • Composer(s): Daniel Leduc
  • Year of composition: 1997
  • Instrumentation: stereo fixed medium
  • Publisher(s): Yul média
  • Commission: ACREQ, with support from the CCA

Movements

Stratus

1st level — lower clouds, found between the ground and 2,000 m

Clouds which have the appearance of a continuous sheet. They occasionally produce a light drizzle or form fog.

  • Movement of: Troposphère
  • Duration: 4:19
  • ISRC: CAD509900280

Cumulonimbus

2nd level — clouds that extend vertically from above 500 m

Dark, mountainous clouds that produce violent downpours, lightning and thunder.

  • Movement of: Troposphère
  • Duration: 3:44
  • ISRC: CAD509900290

Altocumulus

3rd level — medium-level clouds found between 2,000 and 6,000 m

Medium-level globular clouds that form a layer of fairly regular thin slices or tufts that are arranged in sheets or wide bands.

  • Movement of: Troposphère
  • Duration: 3:37
  • ISRC: CAD509900300

Cirrus

4th level — high-level clouds found above 6,000 m

High clouds in the form of strands that remind one of a horse’s tail.

  • Movement of: Troposphère
  • Duration: 3:34
  • ISRC: CAD509900310