From the Wolf to Metaboles

Dutilleux 100

Donald Macleod explores Dutilleux's brilliant, rare ballet "The Wolf", and his first mature work, written for his beloved wife, the pianist Geneviève Joy.

Henri Dutilleux (1916-2013) was one of French music's greatest composers: the heir to Fauré, Debussy and Ravel. His music blends ravishing instrumental colours and harmonies with a highly individual approach to new sounds and forms. Always beautiful, never barbarous, Dutilleux's music never clung dogmatically to avant-garde trends or fashions, making his one of the most accessible and appealing modern voices in classical music. In the week of what would have been Dutilleux's 100th birthday, Donald Macleod discusses his life and legacy with two of the UK's leading experts on his music, who the composer wryly dubbed "les deux Carolines...": Caroline Potter and Caroline Rae.

Today's programme gives a rare airing to the suite from Dutilleux's ballet "The Wolf" - a dazzling synthesis of Poulenc and Stravinsky that the composer later reluctantly withdrew. We also hear his declared Opus 1: his piano sonata - written for his beloved wife of more than six decades, Geneviève Joy - and his kaleidoscopic orchestral work "Metaboles".

Dutilleux
Sarabande et Cortège for bassoon and piano
Per Hannisdal, bassoon
Vebjørn Anvik, piano

Dutilleux
Le Loup
Orchestre Societé Concerts Du Conservatoire
Georges Prêtre, conductor

Dutilleux
I. Allegro (Piano Sonata)
Geneviève Joy, piano

Dutilleux
Métaboles
Seattle Symphony
Ludovic Morlot, conductor.