Normandeau’s work, represented on this CD by five substantial pieces, has a strong affinity with the work of the French electronic music group GRM, wich includes major experimental sound artists such as Parmegiani, Reibel and Bayle. Normandeau’s general æsthetic falls into the category of musique concrète; all sounds — human, natural and electronic — are potential compositional material. Normandeau’s music makes no concessions to popular tastes. It has no regular rythm or melody as such, only textures and more or less recognizable patterns. Mémoires vives, wich samples and maniupulates fragments of traditional Christian requiems, is the most “musical” of the group, and Rumeurs (Place de Ransbeck), wich utilizes the natural sounds of closing doors and dogs barking, is perhaps the least. All the selections require close attention and a reflective listening atmoisphere. Normandeau’s compositions are fascinating and resonate with an internal emotional force, tapping into the mysterious mental territory where sounds hover on the edge of meaning.