"20h17 rue Darling" is a captivating experimental and avant-garde album by Robert Marcel Lepage, released on January 1, 2003, under the label Ambiances Magnétiques. This 46-minute journey through sound is a testament to Lepage's innovative approach to music, blending classical excerpts with original compositions to create a unique auditory experience.
The album opens with "J’aime pas la mer," setting a tone that is both introspective and exploratory. Lepage masterfully weaves together fragments of classical pieces, such as Beethoven's "Sonate pour piano et violon no 7" and "Sonate pour piano no 21," with his own compositions like "Le sinistre" and "Hochelaga-Maisonneuve." This interplay between the familiar and the avant-garde creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Throughout the album, Lepage's compositions, such as "Nocturne à 20h17" and "La Valse de la rue Laurier," showcase his ability to evoke vivid imagery and atmosphere. The recurring "Nocturne à 20h17" pieces add a sense of continuity and depth to the album, while tracks like "Le Diable" and "Y’a plus d’air…" introduce moments of intensity and raw emotion.
"20h17 rue Darling" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive exploration of sound and emotion. Robert Marcel Lepage's skillful composition and arrangement make this album a standout in the experimental and avant-garde genres, offering listeners a rich and rewarding experience.