Serge Lancen

Le Chant de l' Arbre

The one movement symphonic poem Le Chant de l'Arbre (The Song of the Tree), dedicated to the composer's friend Thirault, was also commissioned by the French Government. This composition, published in 1980, was premiered at the Paris concert hall 'Palais des Congres' on 6 June 1980 by the 'Musique de la Police Nationale', conducted by Pierre Bigot. It was chosen as test piece for the 'seccion segunda' of the 1989 wind band contest 'Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Valencia' (Spain) and was recorded on compact disc by the famous Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, conducted by Frederick Fennell, in December 1988. The composer wrote the following comment: 'The symphonic poem 'Le Chant de l'Arbre' is a tribute to the life of a tree throughout the seasons. In summer, the tree is sparkling in the sunlight although violent thunderstorms make it shake seriously from time to time. When autumn has come, its leaves turn golden before they fall and whirl around before falling on the ground. Then winter sleep takes hold of the tree. Finally here is spring again and everything regenerates so the tree starts blooming again'.