The visually accessible processes of unveiling and unfolding have their sonic equivalent in the acousmatic listening experience. … dévoiler… déplier… (… unveil… unfold…) offers an appreciation of the sound object as it is revealed through the musical process. A veil allows us a partial glimpse of the object. The unveiling tantalizes us. As the veils are lifted we become aware of the shape, texture and dimensions of the object beneath. The process of unveiling holds our attention as much as the final revelation.

Unfolding reveals new information. As the object unfolds, fresh layer after fresh layer is laid bare. Temporal, morphological and spatial relationships are made explicit. Meaning emerges over time, perhaps as abstract psychological narrative. In the final moments a vast sonic topography is unfolded as implications are resolved and tensions released. Finally, the choice of language for the title is an acknowledgement by the composer of the place of acousmatic art in the wider French intellectual tradition.

[xi-08]

… dévoiler… déplier… was awarded the 1st prize in the Musica Nova 2007 International Competition of Electroacoustic Music (Prague, Czech Republic).

Awards

• 1st prize, Category A (fixed medium), Musica Nova 2007, Prague (Czech Republic)