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. Intimland Part 3 - Penetration by Angelight: New Age/World Music for mankind from Russia
2. Masquerade by Poeticall Musicke: Late Renaissance and Early Baroque music, historically performed
3. Silent Knowledge - The World Stop by Angelight: New Age/World Music for mankind from Russia
4. Lines by Paolo Pavan: Urban funky jazz piano, in a sober and straightforward style
5. Tantrabeats 2 - The Space of the Soul by Angelight: New Age/World Music for mankind from Russia
6. Explorations by Pranavibes: creating a colorful atmosphere thats mixes tribal world music, African rhythms, folk and many rythmes
7. Fall Submissions by AntiGuru: IDM in the style of early Warp
8. English Renaissance Music by La Primavera: English Renaissance music.
9. Green by Arphaus: aficionado of deep house, IDM and ABBA
10. Insomnia by Processor: industrial acid house.
11. Harper's Brew by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
12. The Mathemagician's Riddle by Psycliq: an electric heart with an organic soul
13. Cruel Waters by Ash Ganley: masterfully nuanced AAA rock
14. China radio sunshine by Psychetropic: intelligent electronic listening music
15. Soyes Loyal by Asteria: late-medieval vocal and instrumental music
16. In thy Dormition thou didst not forsake the World, (O Theotokos) by Putinki Church Choir: clear calm voices of spiritual music
17. Universe Acceptable by Ash Ganley: masterfully nuanced AAA rock
18. Finding Sanctuary by Anthony Salvo: solo and layered violin music on the theme of relational and spiritual intimacy
19. New Moon by Beth Quist: electro-Balkan / Indian meets New Age.
20. Electro Retro by Ambient Teknology: upbeat underground with shades of new wave

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