Francois Houle, clarinet
Gerard Satamian, piano

This charming album consisting of original compositions by Gerard Satamian was recorded at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It received a grant from Socan (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada). Here is what the critic of Socan wrote in their monthly magazine about Dry Fig Trees (named after a gorgeous painting by Armenian painter Vartan Tashdjian): “The works featured on this album are clearly of a Middle Eastern flavour, notable for their modal scales and nostalgic mood. His nine ‘Chansons sans paroles’ are lovingly played by clarinetist Francois Houle with Gerard Satamian at the piano, while the composer is on his own in two excerpts from his Suite Lyrique. Warm, approachable and innocent music.” Words & Music

1. Pastorale

2. Humoresque

3. Romance

4. Mélodie printanière

5. Berceuse

6. Sérenade

7. Valse-Scherzo

8. Elégie

9. Boléro

10. Caprice

11. Orientale