Sound poetry inspired by two different physical states of water — the solid and the liquid. The solid, with its fixed, crystalline movements, superimposed upon the undulations of the liquid. Evocation of the avalanches of colour characteristic of liquid crystals.

Cristaux liquides [Liquid Crystals] was realized in 1990 in the studios of the Faculty of Music of the Université de Montréal and at the composer’s studio: the first minute was realized with the use of a Fairlight, the eight following minutes with an Akai S1000 sampler and RealTime software on an Atari 1040st. The final mix was produced on April 7th,1990 at the Cinar studio with the assistance of engineer Alain Roy. Cristaux liquides was presented on April 4, 1990 as part of the Clair de terre concert series at the Planétarium de Montréal. Cristaux liquides was awarded a mention at the 19th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition (France, 1991).

Composition

• 1990, Faculté de musique – Université de Montréal, Montréal (Québec)
• 1990, Personal studio

Premiere

• April 4, 1990, Clair de terre I: Concert 6, Planétarium de Montréal, Montréal (Québec)

Awards

• Mention, Electroacoustic Music Prize, 19th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition 1991, Bourges (Cher, France)

Mixing

• April 7, 1990, Mario Rodrigue; Alain Roy, assistance • Studio Cinar, Montréal (Québec)