Le Destin Raté is a trio for three instruments with dissimilar timbres and in which each melodic line, though able to stand alone, is a part of a more intricate and complex whole. The original solo line by the bass clarinet is augmented by a syncopated line in the viola that is echoed and occasionally ornamented by the flute. As each line moves forward, contrapuntal complexity increases until eventually none of the instruments is playing in rhythmic unison. Then, abruptly, they all come together in a heterophonic texture for a brief climax. The ending is a fleeting restatement of the original motive with all three instruments playing a brief canon. Le Destin Raté is translated “Failed Destiny.”
This recording is from my recital in February 2008. The performers are James Miller, Flute, Christen Blanton, Viola and Annie Huston, bass clarinet in b flat.