Guillaume Connesson * 1970
Les Chants de l'Atlantide © 2008 by Gérard Billaudot Éditeur

Sergei Malov, violin
Jérôme Ducros, piano

Songs from Atlantis (Les chants de lʼAtlantide)
3 pieces for violin and piano

1. Beyond Heraclesʼ columns
“It is a bright and warm morning on a calm sea. Far off one beholds the island of Atlantis with its three circular ramparts. On the summit of the island lies its sun soaked acropolis. Little by little the island approaches...”
On the bright and calm air a piano sounds an “Atlántida” version of an Indian “Shri” melody – a sinuous and foreign melody that seemingly comes from the island a mysterious, distant land. When the travellers perceive Atlantis, a majestic theme of, fortissimo chords breaks out from the piano. Then the calm returns amid the shimmering waters and the memories of a strange monotonous chant.

2. Poseidonʼs temple
“Night befalls the immense edifice, massive and dominating, supported by the near barbaric Herculean columns, the ceiling is made of ivory and the walls are covered in orichalcum. In the centre stands a great golden statue of the deity.”
Strong and compact strings marked with sinister pianissimo appearances. A deep piano sib, an enormous bell from an ancient cathedral backs the whole movement. The ritual melody from a violin ascends to forte and then descends. Faint bursts of sidewinders and gongs emerge from the piano.

3.The judgement of the ten kings
“Darkness has fallen in the temple and the sacrificial fire has been put out. The ten kings in dark blue robes sit down in the ashes on the floor. Then, absorbed in darkness, they judge.”
One hears three different phrases in this fast movement: a violin ostinato, like a magical psalmody, a sung phrase and finally an incantatory theme that serves as a chorus for the rondo. The polyrhythm leads to a final frenzy; the ten kings in trance begin communicating with the terrible gods and then pronounce their judgements.
My score is dedicated to the architect Leon Krier, as a testimony of his friendship and admiration for his beautiful Atlantis.
Guillaume Connesson

Also available on DVD

directed by Stéphan Aubé
edited by Uffe Borgwardt
sound by Preben Iwan · IwanSound
camera · Dorte Bach and Henrik Nielsen
video assistant · Jacob Bundgaard
color grading · Christian Skriver

executive producer · Lars Fenger
produced by Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Cubus Film
filmed and recorded at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

© Louisiana Museum of Modern Art