L'arbre des songes

This work is permeated with a floating, dreamlike atmosphere and shimmering orchestral colours. Its four movements are linked through fluid transitions by brief interludes. The bass clarinet and oboe are assigned short elegiac solo passages and the celestial sound of glockenspiel, vibraphone, harp, celesta, piano and crotales dominates the composition, which is one of the most frequently performed contemporary solo concertos.

‘It unfolds like a tree that is constantly developing and renewing its branches. Th is symbolism, as well as the idea of periodic rebirth, inspired me to give the composition its title L’arbre des songes [The Tree of Dreams].’ (Henri Dutilleux)