Louis Dufort Explained

Louis Dufort
Birth Date:29 July 1970
Birth Place:Montreal, Canada
Occupation:Composer, educated at Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal and Université de Montréal
Genre:Electroacoustic music
Label:Empreintes DIGITALes

Louis Dufort (born July 29, 1970) is a composer of electroacoustic music from Montreal, Canada. His work includes music for fixed media, mixed music with processing, and visual music.

Over his career, he has fulfilled numerous commissions for various ensembles and musical organizations, including the Association pour la création et la recherche électroacoustiques du Québec (ACREQ[1]), Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ[2]), Réseaux/Akousma,[3] Chants libres,[4] Codes d’accès,[5] Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+[6]), EMPAC,[7] Quasar[8] saxophone quartet, Bozzini[9] [10] string quartet, Sixtrum percussion ensemble and Centre d’art et de technologie des médias de Karlsruhe.[11]

Particularly notable among his many collaborations is his long-standing partnership with choreographer Marie Chouinard, with whom he has worked since 1996 in composing the music for a great many of her works.[12] [13] In 2023, an entire edition of the journal Circuit, musiques contemporaines was dedicated to the subject of their collaborative work.[14] The composer has also written music for the original soundtracks of the films The Fall of the American Empire (French: La chute de l’empire américain) (2018)[15] and Denys Arcand’s Testament (2023).[16]

Dufort is professor of composition at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal[17] and artistic director of the broadcasting company Akousma,[18] which hosts the annual Festival international des musiques numériques immersives in Montreal. In 2018, he was awarded the Québec Opus prize for artistic director of the year.[19]

Early Works (1900-2000)

Dufort's gravitation towards electroacoustic music, including his marked interest in mixed music and multimedia,[20] began in the initial stages of his compositional development.

Meanwhile, he developed an aesthetic that was largely focused on provoking emotional responses in the listener. This early aesthetic, which shaped his music over the first decade of his career, translated into an evocative musical language that conveys a sense of unrest through intense musical moments. Characteristic examples from this period include acousmatic works Pointe-aux-Trembles (1996), Transit (1998) and Zénith (1999), as well as mixed music Lucie (1998) and Consomption (1999). The emotive idiom explored in these compositions reaches its pinnacle in Décap (2000), a work for audio fixed media that evokes the horror and gravity of human conflict in the world.[21]

Shift to Organicism (2000-2010)

The works of the following decade lend themselves to a more abstract mode of expression, which for Dufort was inspired by the various complex systems found in nature. This marks the composer's shift to oganicism,[22] which he debuted in his album of fixed media works Matériaux composés (2008, empreintes DIGITALes), especially Grain de sable (2004-2005) and the cycle Matério (2006-2007). As the composer has stated in reference to the latter work, "this cycle marks the beginning of an abstract organicist approach, which represents a change of direction compared to my previous works that were more built around dramatic affects [...] the Matério cycle is a first attempt to extract organizational and musical structures from the emergent and dynamic properties of sound material[23] .”

Recent Work (2010-)

Dufort's work has continued to be deeply influenced by nature, which tends to reflect in a broad sense—as in the surface-level portrayal of the Laurentides' forests in Monts Valin (2022)[24] —in addition to the deliberate way the music is organized at a deeper and more intricate, even microscopic, level, according to nature's own inherent systems. In the composer's words, this design of “macroscopic views of micro-organisms and the natural, chaotic organization of elements” ultimately creates “music that becomes very active, nervous, mineral, almost chemical[25] .”

The cycle Into the Forest (2021, Empreintes DIGITALes) is one large-scale example of a more recent nature-inspired work that conveys, as its title suggests, a submersion into the forest atmosphere. As the composer commented around the time of its premiere, this work was created around “the idea of a grand structure [...] that organizes life in the forest.” Further examples of his more recent nature-inspired works include visual music bjvfewo (2018)[26] and the series of miniatures Argile (2022),[27] Billot (2024),[28] Femme Forêt (2024),[29] Fleuve Rive (2023)[30] and Planétarium (2024).[31]

Processing

Live processing is a frequent feature in Dufort's earlier mixed music compositions, as in Accident (2001), Spiel (2001), Déflagration (2002), Intonarumori (2002), and Manu militari (2003). The composer's venture deeper into organicism, however, eventually prompted him to abandon this feature in favor of preserving the natural timbres of acoustic instruments. Les corpuscules agglutinés (2013) marks the start of this shift, where the only adjustment made to the instruments’ natural sound production is high-fidelity amplification used to enhance the quality of the acoustic spectrum.[32]

Visual Music

Dufort's interest in creating visual music has been influenced by the philosophies of Henri Bergson as well as his collaborative experiences with Marie Chouinard. In works such as Épochè (2008), the composer explores direct interactions between sound and visuals, where digitally generated images respond to the movement of sound in real time. This intertwining of sound and image is designed to create a kinesthetic effect in the listener, stimulating the body over the mind. Further examples of such works include mixed audiovisual works like Yutiröp (2011) and Quatre histoires néguentropiques (2011)[33] [34] [35] [36] for string quartet, fixed media, 3d visual synthesis and dance.

Influences

Dufort describes his own aesthetic as “maximalist[37],” further noting that it draws from the systems approach[38] in its conception and treatment of individual sound objects as part of a complex whole. The possibilities offered by digital technology assist in the application of this approach, allowing the composer to analyze and work with sound in ultra-fine detail. Further influences he cites include the writings and music of Horacio Vaggione, as well as the teachings from his mentor, Francis Dhomont.[39]

Discography[40]

Selected works[55]

1994

1995

1996

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2004-2005

2005

2006

2006-2007

2007

2008

2008-2012

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2013-2014

2014

2015

2016

2016-2017

2017

2017-2018

2018

2019

2020

2020-2021

2021

2023

2024

Collaborative Works with the Marie Chouinard company[56]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Guérin . François . 2 December 2009 . ACREQ . 22 November 2024 . The Canadian Encyclopedia.
  2. Web site: SMCQ (Traduction: Camila Juarez) . January 2015 . Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ).
  3. Web site: Akousma . Ephem (Louis Dufort) . 22 November 2024 . Akousma (archives).
  4. News: Rose . Benoit . 24 January 2015 . Les nouvelles technologies de mieux en mieux intégrées . 22 November 2024 . Le Devoir.
  5. Web site: Codes d’accès . Mission . 22 November 2024 . Codes d’accès.
  6. News: Marceau . Guy . 12 March 2014 . Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . SOCAN: Words & Music.
  7. Web site: Akousma . 4 April 2015 . Louis Dufort: Study no 2 for the EMPAC lobby (2014) [online video] ]. 22 November 2024 . Vimeo.
  8. Web site: Quasar . Louis Dufort (1970 -) . 22 November 2024 . Quasar, quatuor de saxophones.
  9. Web site: Quatuor Bozzini . July 2021 . Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Quatuor Bozzini.
  10. Young . Gayle . Summer 2008 . The body is listening . Musicworks . 101 . 20-27.
  11. Web site: ZKM . Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Zentrum für Kunst und Medien Karlsruhe (ZKM).
  12. Web site: Compagnie Marie Chouinard . Contributors . 22 November 2024 . Compagnie Marie Chouinard.
  13. McKinley . Maxime . 2023 . Introduction. L’étonnement chorégraphique . Circuit, musiques contemporaines . 33 . 2 . 5 (article: pp. 5-12) . Érudit.
  14. Circuit, musiques contemporaines . 2023 . Volume 33, numéro 2 (2023). Marie Chouinard et Louis Dufort : corps fluctuants, sons fixés . Érudit . Érudit.
  15. Web site: Ramond . Charles-Henri . 20 June 2018 . Chute de l’empire américain, La – Film de Denys Arcand . 22 November 2024 . Films du Québec.
  16. Web site: Ramond . Charles-Henri . 1 October 2023 . Testament – Film de Denys Arcand . 22 November 2024 . Films du Québec.
  17. Web site: Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec . Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec.
  18. Web site: Akousma . The team . 22 November 2024 . Akousma.
  19. News: Huss . Christophe . 5 February 2018 . Le Conseil québécois de la musique a dévoilé ses lauréats pour les prix Opus . 22 November 2024 . Le Devoir.
  20. Book: Dufort, Louis . Approche systématique pour la composition d’œuvres acousmatiques, mixtes, vidéomusicales et pluridisciplinaires . 2014 . Université de Montréal (thesis) . Montreal.
  21. Web site: Ars Electronica Archive . 2001 . Décap (Louis Dufort) . 22 November 2024 . Ars Electronica.
  22. Book: Dufort, Louis . Approche systématique pour la composition d’œuvres acousmatiques, mixtes, vidéomusicales et pluridisciplinaires . 2014 . Université de Montréal (thesis) . Montreal . 2 and 61.
  23. Book: Dufort, Louis . Approche systématique pour la composition d’œuvres acousmatiques, mixtes, vidéomusicales et pluridisciplinaires . 2014 . Université de Montréal (thesis) . Montreal . 61.
  24. Marion . Dominic . Fall 2023 . Compte rendu de Mathieu David Gagnon, Louis Dufort, Duu : paysages sonores laurentiens/Volume II de Flore Laurentienne/Volume de Louis Dufort/Into the Forest de Louis Dufort/Monts Valin de Louis Dufort/Arboretum de DUU . Spirale . 284 . 108-115 . Érudit.
  25. News: Renaud . Philippe . 1 May 2018 . Les sons qui cachent la forêt . 22 November 2024 . Le Devoir.
  26. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 16 January 2018 . bjvfewo . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 4:49 minutes, 2018.
  27. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 28 October 2022 . Argile . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 0:31 minutes, 2022.
  28. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 24 April 2024 . Billot . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 0:50 minutes, 2024.
  29. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 24 April 2024 . Femme Forêt . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 0:15 minutes, 2024.
  30. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 7 March 2023 . Fleuve Rive . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 4:03 minutes, 2023.
  31. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 24 April 2024 . Planetarium . 22 November 2024 . Vimeo . Louis Dufort, composer. 0:29 minutes, 2024.
  32. News: Marceau . Guy . 21 December 2013 . Louis Dufort : à l’intérieur du son . 22 November 2024 . SOCAN: Words & Music . On Electrocd.
  33. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 9 January 2012 . Extrait no. 1_Quatre histoires néguentropiques . 22 November 2024 . YouTube . Louis Dufort, composer. 2:56 minutes, 2011.
  34. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 9 January 2012 . Extrait no. 2_Quatre histoires néguentropiques . 22 November 2024 . YouTube . Louis Dufort, composer. 3:32 minutes, 2011.
  35. Web site: Dufort . Louis . 9 January 2012 . Extrait no. 3_Quatre histoires néguentropiques . 22 November 2024 . YouTube . Louis Dufort, composer. 4:02 minutes, 2011.
  36. Web site: Dufort . Louis (composer) . Chouinard . Marie (performer) . 9 January 2012 . Extrait no. 4_Quatre histoires néguentropiques . 22 November 2024 . YouTube . 4:31 minutes, 2011.
  37. Dufort . Louis . 2023 . Matière et mouvement . Circuit, musiques contemporaines . 33 . 2 . 46 (article: pp. 39-56) . Érudit.
  38. News: Brunet . Alain . 21 February 2013 . Louis Dufort : vous avez bien dit néguentropique ? . 22 November 2024 . La Presse.
  39. Book: Dufort, Louis . Approche systématique pour la composition d’œuvres acousmatiques, mixtes, vidéomusicales et pluridisciplinaires . 2014 . Université de Montréal (thesis) . Montreal . xvii.
  40. Web site: Releases . 22 November 2024 . louisdufort.com.
  41. Web site: Discogs . Francis Dhomont – Frankenstein Symphony (1997, CD) . 22 November 2024 . Discogs.
  42. Web site: Discogs . Prix International Noroit-Léonce Petitot 1997 (1998, CD) . 22 November 2024 . Discogs.
  43. Web site: Electrocd . eXcitations: Sampler . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  44. Web site: Electrocd . Connexion, Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  45. Web site: CMC . Electricities/ électricités . 22 November 2024 . Centre de musique canadienne (CMC).
  46. Web site: Electrocd . L’Orchestre de granulation. L’Orchestre de granulation / Cal Crawford, A_dontigny, Érick d’Orion, Philémon, Julie Rousse, David Turgeon, Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  47. Web site: Discogs . Montreal Sound Matter / Montréal Matière Sonore (2006, CD) . 22 November 2024 . Discogs.
  48. Web site: Electrocd . Matériaux composés. Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  49. Web site: Electrocd . trans_canada. Various artists / Nicolas Bernier, Darren Copeland, Francis Dhomont, Louis Dufort, Gilles Gobeil, Robert Normandeau, Barry Truax, Hildegard Westerkamp . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  50. Web site: Electrocd . Victoriaville matière sonore. Various artists . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  51. Web site: Discogs . A Tasty Swarm Of Small Signals (2012, DVD) . 22 November 2024 . Discogs.
  52. Web site: Bandcamp . Into the Forest, by Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Bandcamp.
  53. Web site: Bandcamp . Tour Mode, by Superpang . 22 November 2024 . Bandcamp.
  54. Web site: Bandcamp . Volume, by Louis Dufort . 22 November 2024 . Bandcamp.
  55. Web site: Electrocd . Artists: Louis Dufort (Works) . 22 November 2024 . Electrocd.
  56. Compagnie Marie Chouinard . 2023 . Liste des créations de Marie Chouinard avec la musique de Louis Dufort (1998-2023) . Circuit, musiques contemporaines . 33 . 2 . 23-28 . Érudit.