23 novembre 2004
Montreal Symphony Premieres New Work by Denys Bouliane
Montreal

The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) performs the world premiere of Tetrapharmakos, a concerto for piano, violin, and cello by Canadian composer Denys Bouliane, in two concerts starting tonight.

Tetrapharmakos is based on the "fourfold remedy of Epicurus"--the philosopher's teachings for a happy existence. Bouliane writes in his program notes, "It consists of four precepts that carry manifold ramifications":

1) "We have nothing to fear from the gods" (they are not the guiding principle behind everything, but rather projections of ourselves, and in this regard he recalls Voltaire);

2) "We need not worry about death" (it is beyond our means of understanding, so there is nothing to be gained in speculation);

3) "One can bear pain" (if we give it meaning); and

4) "One can attain happiness" (if we accept our finite existence as well as the measure of freedom and responsibility allotted to us).

Read full article by Ben Mattison