Sen presents three new compositions by young Slovak composer Adrián Demoč, created for an ensemble of historical instruments. The first work, Zátišie a súzvuk, was created for six instruments: guiterne, plectrum lute and Gothic harp, joined by three 16th-century instruments: cornetto muto, viola da gamba and organ. The second piece, Sen, is inspired by the “hiccup” techniques and canonical gestures that predominated in the music of 14th-century French composer Guillaume de Machaut. Here, Demoč has arranged a monophonic melody so that it is performed in a kind of unison by the trio of medieval plucked string instruments. The third and final piece on the program, A Luca Marenzio, was composed in held notes for all three instruments.

Interpreting these pieces requires the instrumentalists to whisper with their instruments, in a desire to achieve the delicate balance between gentle dynamics and a sound that nevertheless fades audibly.

An experience to be enjoyed at the Temple de Saint-Gervais, where this music whispered by its performers, with its slow, sober dynamics, sometimes evoking the work of Morton Feldman, will give the audience time to familiarize themselves with the forms and bask in the airy harmonies.