Program note

Ishtar was born from a commission by Louis-Philippe Bonin, who wanted a piece for saxophone and chamber ensemble. The piece has been composed for himself and the Paramirabo Ensemble.

The title « Ishtar » comes from the name given by ancient Chaldaeans to the planet Venus. First “star” of evening, last “star” of morning, it symbolised both sides of the goddess: in the evening, goddess of love; in the morning, goddess of war.

The music embraces both sides. The first movement weaves a series of lines in free rhythm, answering and crossing each other to a luxuriant apotheosis. The second, after a gradual warmup, answers the first with sharp rhythms and warlike energy, where instruments unleash wild solos.

Louis-Philippe Bonin and Paramirabo Ensemble have premiered the piece on Thursday April 5th, 2012, at Café l'Artère, during the concert « New Voices/Échos de Montréal ».