Incantations & Ascèses

"Incantations & Ascèses" is a captivating journey into the world of André Jolivet, a composer deeply inspired by primitive music and ritualistic themes. This album, released on September 13, 2024, under the Attacca label, is a testament to Jolivet's unique compositional style, which draws from his fascination with ancient cultures and their spiritual practices. The album features four tracks, spanning a total of 44 minutes, each offering a profound exploration of Jolivet's musical language.

The album opens with "Incantation I," setting the stage for a series of pieces that delve into the mystical and the metaphysical. "Cinq Incantations," composed in 1936, is a cycle of five pieces for solo flute that traces the journey of life from birth to death, each movement imbued with a sense of ritual and ceremony. "Ascèses," another solo flute piece, continues this exploration, showcasing Jolivet's mastery of the instrument and his ability to evoke deep, spiritual resonances. The album concludes with "Incantation II," bringing the listener full circle in this exploration of the sacred and the symbolic.

The performances on this album are brought to life by the virtuoso flutist Leendert de Jonge, whose technical prowess and interpretive depth bring Jolivet's compositions to vivid life. The album is part of a broader celebration of Jolivet's legacy, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his passing, and serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on the world of music.

"Incantations & Ascèses" is not just a collection of compositions; it is a deep dive into the mind of a composer who sought to render music with a primitive, almost mystical, youthfulness. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Jolivet's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

André Jolivet, born in the heart of Paris in 1905, was a French composer whose music reflects a deep devotion to French culture and a broad spectrum of musical influences. His compositions, which span a wide array of forms and ensembles, are marked by his fascination with acoustics, atonality, and the unique timbres of both ancient and modern instruments. Jolivet's journey in music began under the tutelage of Paul Le Flem and the avant-garde composer Edgar Varèse, who introduced him to the works of Schoenberg, Berg, and Bartók. In 1936, Jolivet co-founded the group Jeune France with Olivier Messiaen, Daniel-Lesur, and Yves Baudrier, aiming to revitalize French music with a blend of tradition and innovation. His works, known for their sophisticated rhythms and new sonorities, often draw from non-European music, jazz, and even electronic instruments, making Jolivet's compositions a rich and diverse exploration of sound. Throughout his career, Jolivet remained an independent spirit, deeply convinced of the universal and transcendent power of art.