Tangram (1992), 27m05s

To Francis Dhomont

Tangram is also the name of a Chinese puzzle consisting of seven fundamental geometric forms from which one can reconstruct existing patterns, or create new configurations. This work is inspired by the spirit of the game, the ability to associate and combine simple elements to form recognizable complex structures, recognizable because of the very figurative representations. This piece is part of the ‘cinema for the ear’ opus, a cycle of work undertaken and developed from 1990-93. Tangram consists of six sections and takes the listener on a tour of the seasons, highlighting the elements and materials associated with each.

Tangram was produced between 1989 and 1992 then reworked in 1993 at the composer’s studio. Certain sounds come from the collection of instruments of the Department of Ethnomusicology of the Faculty of Music, Université de Montréal. In addition, it contains Fragments, a work commissioned by the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal for the concert inaugurating its new edifice on May 29, 1992. Tangram was presented on the 19th and 20th of May, 1992 at the Planétarium de Montréal during the celebrations for the 350th anniversary of the founding of the city of Montréal. The present version is a stereo recording of multitrack sound diffusion realized at The Banff Centre for the Arts (engineers: Antonio Oliart and Stephanie Rogers; assistant: Jennifer Lewis) in July, 1993. Tangram was made possible by grants from the Canada Council [for the Arts] and from the ministère des Affaires culturelles du Québec.

Performances

		Rien à voir (6) Friday, December 10, 1999 Robert Normandeau: concert solo
		Montréal: 350e Tuesday, May 19, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram • premiere
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, May 20, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, June 3, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, June 10, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, June 17, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, September 16, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, September 23, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, September 30, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram
		Montréal: 350e Wednesday, October 7, 1992 Robert Normandeau: 350e de Montréal: Tangram