Sentimental Work: Anne Gastinel on Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher

Henri Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher is a work of genius. There’s not a single note that’s unnecessary throughout the composition; unlike in some pieces, every one is essential to the work and has its own meaning. When you look at the score, nearly all the notes are modified in some way, which means you have to be supremely conscientious and honest in your playing. To me, it also means the piece is filled with the spirit of the composer…