This work was inspired by the master bellringers of the late 18th and 19th centuries. Time to party and bring in techno-pop electronica that brings to mind the drones and bellringers of years past. The work starts with a long drone that gradually transforms into a burst with metallic overtones created by the reflection of a lake. The sampled, electronic tones and the computerized layout are imitating the acoustics of the musical instruments’ party. For the finale, ancient resonances blare over modern times, making their presence felt through a large crescendo.

A sawtooth sound sample is the core of the piece, along with a recording of drones and melodies improvised on the bagpipes and the Breton bombard by Michel Dubeau. Improvisations at a keyboard and timbre transformations combine the traditional popular aspect and electronics, over a polyphony of drones. This dualism is also found in the way the minor and major music modes are being opposed and the power of the tone.

— Roxanne Turcotte [English translation: François Couture, xi-08]

Bourdons enjoués [Cheerful Drones] was realized in 2004 at the composer’s studio (Studio Séducson) in Montréal, and premiered in June 2004, during the concert “Les Maîtres sonneurs” at Synthèse, the 34th Bourges International Electronic Music and Creation Festival (France). The composer thanks Michel Dubeau (recorded bagpipes and Breton bombard).

Premiere

• June 2004, Synthèse 2004: Concert, Bourges (Cher, France)