“At first, it's a distant, a cappella, “strada-fellinian” trumpet... But it already conceals the melodic and rhythmic elements whose multiple variations will unfold throughout the complicit and complex interweaving woven between the piano and the various instruments: open trumpet, with mutes, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet.
In constant, fluctuating motion, the thematic writing admirably alternates between legato phrasing and vertiginous staccato. Different timbres and playing modes, some of which evoke jazz (growl, flatterzunge, glissando, half-pistons...), are implemented with remarkable precision. We are undoubtedly in the presence of a new approach to contemporary trumpeting, which Clément Saunier plays to perfection. » Jean Méreu

"The alto trombone has an impressive history spanning several centuries. Initially used in ensembles (alongside the tenor and bass trombones) in orchestras, it has also found its place in various other formations. Today, the alto trombone is recognized as an instrument in its own right, whose value and legitimacy are no longer in doubt. For more than forty years, I have been campaigning for it to be accepted as a solo instrument. With this in mind, I have published several articles and compiled various works for trombonists.
Trois gestes, trois visages, Sonata for Viola Trombone and Piano by Denis Levaillant, is fully in line with this approach. Its three movements explore all the possibilities of the instrument without ever sacrificing musical expression. Varied in character, these pages highlight the full range of the alto trombone, the rare use of its mutes, the diversity of its rhythmic patterns, and its expressive lyrical singing, while opening the way to new possibilities. The work does not neglect the piano, which supports the trombone throughout. Thus, the Alto trombone repertoire continues to expand, marking a new decisive step in its history and a decisive step towards the present day. »
Benny Sluchin - February 2026

"This Fantaisie for bassoon and piano, composed by Denis Levaillant, impresses me with the singularity of its writing and its originality, with its puzzling character, its slightly strange, totally unpredictable aspects, which make it seem as if it could not have been written by anyone else. His musical universe has characteristic elements: a taste for French impressionism, the influence of jazz, and a sense of film music. In an atmosphere of light and shadow full of subtleties, it's a little gem of poetry and dreams, whose balance of form and unity of style leaves me in awe and makes me a fulfilled dedicatee." Paul Riveaux, principal bassoonist with the Ensemble Intercontemporain

« Charmed from the very first notes by this sweet, candid innocence,
it's delicate lyricism and impressionistic poetry, then suspended in a strange lunar dream of deep vertical harmonies, let's let ourselves be taken through these landscapes and simply watch them pass by through the window of this imaginary train - quiet contemplation bathed in that bucolic charm of which Denis Levaillant has the secret. » Paul Riveaux, principal bassoonist with the Ensemble Intercontemporain