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. Mystic Journey by Suzanne Teng: world flute with a serene energy
2. Edvard Grieg by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
3. Guitar Music by Nigel Martin: quality guitar driven instrumental music
4. Handel on Guitar Volume 1 by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
5. Reicha Fugues on Guitar by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
6. Guitar Music II by Nigel Martin: quality guitar driven instrumental music
7. Bootleggers by Barbepeste Official Orchestra: Ahoy and shiver your timbers to some Irish World music with a smattering of pirates
8. The Parisian Delight by Richard MacKenzie: Virtuoso English Lutenist and Guitarist
9. Music of Fernando Sor by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
10. Contemplations by Ireen Thomas: Lute sonatas from Mozart's time
11. Chinese Bicycle Stories by Jeremy Moyer: Erhu music bridging Eastern, Western, Contemporary and Folk traditions
12. Bach Cello Suites on 8 String Guitar by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
13. Rafiot by Justin St-Pierre: Acoustic percusive guitar
14. Debussy on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
15. Scarlatti on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
16. La Faille by Justin St-Pierre: Acoustic percusive guitar
17. L'Insulaire by Justin St-Pierre: Acoustic percusive guitar
18. Broadwood Grand Pianoforte 1809 by Susan Adams: Marvelously played classical piano pieces
19. Sonic Reflections by Dubmaster Conte: Dub, reggae, electronica, downtempo, chill out, trip hop
20. Chopin Recital by Janine Johnson: Harpsichord and fortepiano classics

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