The percussionist as poet, the drummer as sound painter, the composer as storyteller, and the improviser as artist of survival. What Pierre Favre writes for the Arte Quartet is like a choral fantasy, a suite for individualists with a strong collective spirit. Four singers, each with their own utterly unique timbre, a chamber choir with a hig- hly developed sonic sensuality. The percussionist runs his threads between the voices, becomes one himself, creates space, provides the beat, or drives everything onward. Carefully and decisively. With a sensitivity based on inner strength. And then there is Michel Godard, the deep peer, the free spirit with the metallic tuba and the wooden serpent that magnificently mixes with the Saxophone voices or unfolds as counterpoint singing. Favre's compositions emerge from this feeling for the orchestral, for the cooperation and conflict of voices.

Cover Art: Andrea Alteneder
Liner Notes: Bert Noglik
Photos: Franesca Pfeffer

All Compositions by Pierre Favre (SUISA). Recorded 2003 at Radio Studio DRS Zürich by Martin Pearson except Solar Wheel, Stampede, Les jeux sont faits recorded by Benno Hofer, Basel. Mixed and mastered by Martin Pearson at Platinum One, December 2003 Produced by Pierre Favre and Intakt Records. Executive production: Patrik Landolt