We are surrounded by objects whose importance is directly related to their utility. To one degree or another these object all have their own sounds, but as they become commonplace we tend to lose our ability to hear them. They become a part of the blurring of the sounds of everyday life.

The automobile is unquestionably one of the most important inventions of our century. They have changed our perception of time and space, and have come to dominate most of the soundscapes of our towns and our countryside.

Deliberately anecdotal, Vroum suggests a new way to hear that apotheosis of our age, the automobile.

[xii-99]

Vroum was realized between February and May 1997 at the composer’s studio in Matane with support from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ). The work premiered on May 1, 1997 during the concert Hautes tensions presented by ACREQ at Usine C in Montréal. Thanks to Bernard Pedneault (Radio-Canada Matane), Jocelyn Robert, Émile Morin, Philippe Giroux, André Harvey, Roland Bérubé and Diane Lajoie.

Composition

• February – May 1997, Personal studio, Matane (Québec)

Premiere

• May 1, 1997, Hautes tensions, Usine C, Montréal (Québec)