Six Japanese Gardens & Trois Rivières Delta

Released in 2002 by the INA-GRM label, this disc features two significant works by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, who was a pivotal figure in contemporary spectral and electronic music. 'Six Japanese Gardens' was originally composed in 1993 for percussionist Camilla Hoitenga and percussionist Florent Jodelet, inspired by the composer’s visits to the Zen gardens of Kyoto. It captures the intersection of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern electronic textures, showcasing Saariaho’s mastery of timbre and spatial sound design.

The second work, 'Trois Rivières,' is a concertante piece for percussion and orchestra that explores the physical and sonic properties of water and flow. Both compositions were recorded under the auspices of the Groupe de Recherches Musicales, an institution legendary for its contributions to musique concrète. The release is widely regarded by critics as a benchmark for electronic percussion music, highlighting Saariaho’s ability to create immersive, atmospheric landscapes that challenged the boundaries of both instruments and studio technology.