Composer

:

François Dompierre

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

12:11

'Les Diableries' is a contemporary classical composition by Canadian composer François Dompierre. The piece was composed in 1981 and premiered on November 12th of the same year by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Dutoit. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, titled "Les Diableries," is a lively and playful scherzo that features a prominent use of percussion and brass instruments. The second movement, "La Danse des morts," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that features a solo violin and a choir of muted brass instruments. The final movement, "Le Sabbat," is a frenzied and intense finale that features a driving rhythm and a cacophony of instruments. The overall character of 'Les Diableries' is one of dark humor and mischief, inspired by the grotesque and macabre imagery of the French diableries prints of the 19th century. Dompierre's use of dissonant harmonies, unconventional rhythms, and unexpected musical gestures creates a sense of unpredictability and mischief throughout the piece. Despite its modernist tendencies, 'Les Diableries' is also deeply rooted in the classical tradition, with clear influences from composers such as Stravinsky and Bartók. The piece showcases Dompierre's skill as a composer, as well as his ability to create a unique and compelling musical world that is both playful and unsettling.

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