What’s new
The talent of Makarios Césaire
I had a great privilege to meet with Makarios in 1990. My very longtime friend Rigaud Simon introduced us. It was with great pleasure that he came to the recording sessions of my “Rara Mwe” project produced by Robert Aaron … [more]
Remembering Boulo Valcourt
Boulo Valcourt was one of the most Haitian talented musicians. He happened to be my cousin. We first met when I went to Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, for the official Baccalaureate exam, Part I. We had the French schooling … [more]
Gifrants Konpilasyon Volim I
My latest cd is out! It is a compilation of 17 songs from several albums. Digital versions are available online. But, people can get the physical album only from this site below, or click on the front and back cover … [more]
Article du Nouvelliste le 23 Juillet 2017
Le lien à cet article sur mon parcours en musique: Gifrants et l’âme musicale haïtienne
“Latibonit o” for clarinet and piano
This song is one of the most famous Haitian folk songs. I have arranged it, used it as an example in my book Kantik Natif, Volim I, in order to codify the “natif” concept. It is also one among a … [more]
Writing for a marching band
I have been approached many times regarding arranging or writing for a marching band. I have been very reluctant to do so since I do not believe that we should consider that “rigorous military underlining” for music, specially in our … [more]
Divine Origin–a god from God I am
From the longest piece I have ever written, this 3rd movement is written in 9/4–the telling of my origin and my final destination. A testimony of the ties between God, my Father, and me! Divine Origin, a god from God … [more]
Haitian folk children songs in classical music?
Yes! I have arranged 7 of them for a string quartet–violin, violin, viola, cello. The SRDMH (Société de Recherche et de Diffusion de la Musique Haïtienne) based in Montreal, and Crossing Borders Music Collective in Chicago, have been given the … [more]
Le violoncelle Imaginaire
Le violoncelle imaginaire de Gifrants Notes de présentation par Claude Dauphin Le violoncelliste imaginaire de Gifrants est un recueil de sept pièces pour violoncelle seul. Le défi est grand pour un compositeur de notre temps de s’aventurer sur ce terrain … [more]
Unbreakable–the book
At last, after four months of delay, my next book “Unbreakable” will be published next week. It contains 7 pieces written for a string quartet. My musical journey continues with inspirations and feelings which I try to convey with my … [more]
Release of “The Imaginary Cellist”
I have recorded 2 projects with Crossing Borders Music Collective. This has been made possible with the help of its founder and the very talented, Mr. Tom Clowes to whom I’m forever grateful. I have released the first one, entitled … [more]
Divinò, Pa! Romancing the 7th
Possibilities are just endless! Finding new ways to hear, play and use chords and progressions not necessarily from conventions of western music widens the horizons of musical expressions. The “natif” concept offers such a platform on which music can be … [more]
Path of Wisdom
I have to delay the publication of my two next books “Unbreakable” and “Kantik Natif, Fondasyon” for personal reasons. But, this should be done the coming month. Meanwhile, I take great pleasure to post one more of the pieces that … [more]
Notes de présentation par Claude Dauphin
Pour mieux comprendre cette analyse profonde de Claude Dauphin, musicologue, professeur Emeritus enseignant à l’UQUÁM (Université du Québec à Montréal), il est important d’avoir écouté l’album dont le lien est affiché dessous: Pinnalaganash, Volim III Pinnalaganash-Chantrèl 3 (pour quatuor à … [more]
First release of my compositions of classical music
When was the last time you heard an original piece by a Haitian composer of Haitian classical music? Now, you do have the opportunity to hear how new Haitian composers are exploring this genre some call “musique savante.” Though I … [more]