In May 2024, a film score project I was working on was delayed, leaving me with unexpected free time. Knowing I would be scoring for viola da gamba and harmonium, I began recording various ideas to prepare for the work ahead. One of these ideas happened to be J.S. Bach’s chorale "Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein" ("Oh God, Look Down from Heaven").

In May 2024, a film score project I was working on was delayed, leaving me with unexpected free time. Knowing I would be scoring for viola da gamba and harmonium, I began recording various ideas to prepare for the work ahead. One of these ideas happened to be J.S. Bach’s chorale "Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein" ("Oh God, Look Down from Heaven"). This sparked a creative surge, leading me to arrange and adapt several of his chorales. A week later, the album you see here was completed.

Since my adolescence, the music of J.S. Bach has been a constant companion, especially his instrumental works like the Goldberg Variations, Brandenburg Concertos, his sonatas for violin or viola da gamba, and of course, his six cello suites. With so many exceptional recordings of his music, I often wondered how I could bring something new to this rich tradition. I decided to proceed by way of subtraction, paring down the music to its essence.

Consequently, in certain arrangements, only the melody from the hymn is used, leaving little of Bach's original harmonic structure. Nevertheless, I first heard these melodies in Bach’s chorales, and for me, he is nowhere as present as in these hymns. In recognition of this, I offer these recordings under his name.

Though it came to me suddenly, it seems this album has been slowly forming over time. I hope you find joy in listening to it.

PYM

All music by J.S. Bach (1685-1750), arranged and adapted by PYM Except tracks 3, 7, 10 composed by PYM Recorded and mixed by PYM, Continuum Sound, Montreal (Canada) May 2024

Video BWV 297 by PYM, using found archival footage Cover photo by PYM, Viens (France)

Between January and March 2024, I dedicated myself to composing and recording a 60-minute track each week for Montreal-based internet radio Radio Bloc Oral, which culminated in the creation of the album you see here. This project represents an experiment in sonic immersion and a deep dive into long-form music. It combines field and archival

Between January and March 2024, I dedicated myself to composing and recording a 60-minute track each week for Montreal-based internet radio Radio Bloc Oral, which culminated in the creation of the album you see here. This project represents an experiment in sonic immersion and a deep dive into long-form music. It combines field and archival recordings with modular synthesis and acoustic instruments, and also features collaborations with guest artists. 'Ephemera' is a unique musical landscape that I hope you will enjoy exploring. This journey has been quite an adventure, and I invite you to join me in experiencing it.

PYM

Recorded and mixed between January and March 2024, Continuum Sound, Montreal, Canada

Cover photo by PYM, Rocher des druides, Rocsalière, France (2024)

Essay which accompanies the print by J.F Martel credits released March 28, 2024

TRACK NOTES

1. AT HOME IN THE BOUNDLESS AETHER PYM — field recording, modular synthesizer

2. ESTINTO REDUX PYM — soprano viola da gamba, harmonica, modular synthesizer

3. AN UNNAMED FLOWING PYM — field recording, modular synthesizer

4. MIDNIGHT IN THE ROSE ROOM Philippe Lauzier — bass clarinet PYM — synthesizer Fred Feibel — Novachord

5. FACES OF THE MACHINE PYM — harmonium

6. A MAKER OF CLOCKWORK WONDERS Philip Zoubek — synthesizer Carl Ludwig Hübsch — tuba, gong Bernard Falaise — electric guitar PYM — electric bass, editing Philippe Lauzier — bass clarinet Émilie Mouchous — synthesizer Joane Hétu — voice Isaiah Ceccarelli — synthesizer

7. THE HITCHHIKER Carl Ludwig Hübsch — voice PYM — archival and field recordings

8. STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE The Weird Circle (1943-1945), Liv Production, RCA PYM — modular synthesizer, music from Weird Studies Vol.1 & 2

9. BLACK STARS OVER CARCOSA PYM — gongs, singing bowls, bells

10. SARABANDE BWV 1008 J.S. Bach, Suite No.2 in D minor for Solo Cello BWV 1008 PYM — harmonium, field recording

For years I’ve had the desire to record this album for solo viola da gamba. Using simple melodic fragments and gestures, and inspired as much by my work in early music as my work as a composer and improviser, 'Mer Bleue' features a collection of pieces that focus on the instrument’s sombre and melancholic timbre.

The album download also includes a

For years I’ve had the desire to record this album for solo viola da gamba. Using simple melodic fragments and gestures, and inspired as much by my work in early music as my work as a composer and improviser, 'Mer Bleue' features a collection of pieces that focus on the instrument’s sombre and melancholic timbre.

The album download also includes a 10-page PDF booklet with liner notes by J.F. Martel and myself.

Thanks for listening.

PYM credits released May 1, 2023

PIERRE-YVES MARTEL viola da gamba soprano

Music composed, recorded and mixed by PYM Continuum Sound, Montréal (Canada) Winter/Spring 2023 Cover photo by PYM