This charming album consisting of original compositions by Gerard Satamian was recorded at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It received a grant from Socan (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada). Here is what the critic of Socan wrote in their monthly magazine about Dry Fig Trees (named after a gorgeous painting by Armenian painter Vartan Tashdjian): "The works featured on this album are clearly of a Middle Eastern flavour, notable for their modal scales and nostalgic mood. His nine 'Chansons sans paroles' are lovingly played by clarinetist Francois Houle with Gerard Satamian at the piano, while the composer is on his own in two excerpts from his Suite Lyrique. Warm, approachable and innocent music." Words & Music

Francois Houle (Clarinetist on Dry Fig Trees)
Francois Houle's energetic performances are bridging the gap between the new music and improvisation. He went to McGill University in Montreal where he received his bachelor of music degree and graduated with a Masters degree from the Yale school of music. He also spent two years in residence at the Banff Centre for the arts. His great interest in contemporary music has led him to perform under the direction of Bruce Mather, Mauricio Kagel, Arthur Weisberg, Toru Takemitsa and Yannis Xenakis, among others.

Since moving to Vancouver in 1990, Houle has established itself as a strong new voice on the Canadian creative music scene. Recent performances include all Western Canadian gas festivals, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Festival de Music Actuelle de Victoriaville, new music across America, time flies, and Seattle World Jazz Festival. He has also dedicated much of his time composing for his own critically acclaimed group Francois Houle Et Cetera.

1. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Pastorale
2. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Humoresque
3. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Romance
4. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Melodie printaniere
5. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Berceuse
6. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Serenade
7. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Valse-Scherzo
8. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Elegie
9. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Bolero
10. Suite Lyrique (1994) op.4 Caprice No.1
11. Suite Lyrique (1994) op.4 Orientale No.2

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 6/7/2004
Gerard Satamian lives in British Columbia Canada

Tagged as: Classical, World, Neoclassical, Contemporary, Instrumental Classical, Clarinet, Classical Piano

1. Kaila Flexer and Friends, Original Music Inspired by Far-Flung Fiddle Traditions by Kaila Flexer: Original Compositions Inspired by Far-Flung Fiddle Traditions
2. The Twisting of the Rope by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
3. The Chinese Four Seasons and the Korean Four Seasons by Vito Paternoster: cellist extraordinaire
4. Viva La Musica Latina by Alan Marchand: Toe Teasin' Jazz Tunes For All Occasions
5. Between Late and Early - Romantic Songs of Robert Burns (1759-1796) by Susan Rode Morris: early music delivered with a voluptuous voice and intensely focused delivery
6. Christmas Music by Magnatune Compilation: the best music from Magnatune
7. Playing with Silence by Jeff Wahl: acoustic new age and jazz guitar.
8. Zirkus - Step Inside - Piano Music of Robert Schumann by Cary Chow: virtuoso piano
9. The Siena Manuscript on steel string guitar by Paul Berget: renaissance lute, modernized.
10. Classic Giuliani by AlmaNova: lively flute/guitar duo
11. Dolce Musica - A Contemplative Journey by Healing Muses: early music for healing
12. Inzaffirio by Vito Paternoster: cellist extraordinaire
13. Chopin Recital by Janine Johnson: Harpsichord and fortepiano classics
14. In Their Footsteps by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
15. Music of Fernando Sor by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
16. Elegance and Refinement - Baroque Suites, French Sweets by Ivan Ilic: dazzling classical pianist
17. Arcadia by Fernwood: Music played by hand on instruments made of wood
18. Garden of Healing by Healing Muses: early music for healing

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