Le Locataire

Tess

Music by Phillipe Sarde

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the drama/horror Le Locataire (The Tenant, 1976) Philippe Sarde has become a sort of follower to the deceased Kristopher Komeda. Not only by partnering with Polansky – that would extend to other films – but also for the efficiency in a difficult music, which sometimes borders on the bizarre.

Strangely "suspicious", with rhythms of uncertain direction, and "tiptoeing" performances, the music of Le Locataire is an impressive musical whisper that fascinates, frightens, annoys. With use of violas and cellos in the background textures ("without violins to escape the lyricism" says the composer), Sarde gives voice to the emotional fragility of the protagonist through retracted clarinet solos, and the sound of glass marimba and glass harmonica as heard in Trelkovsky and Solitude. Glass instruments were not included by chance, since windows and glass surfaces are very present on the destiny of the protagonist.

 

"Once when lunching together, Polanski dipped his finger in his glass of water and began to rub the edge trying to do sound. I said nothing, but it was an important detail that put me in the right direction to compose the music" – P. Sarde

 

The release by label Ecoutez Le Cinema also brings the music of Tess (1979), drama also directed by Roman Polansky. Just as in The Tenant, Tess stood out as one of the most striking works of Philippe Sarde in its tragic beauty evident right from the main theme. The instrumental lightness almost baroque marks the work as a whole and between youthful and carefree country dances, the theme Tess stand as a musical shadow. The emotional opposites (joy / tragedy, determination / resignation) that are exemplary suggested in music, seem oppose each other eternally. The two soundtracks are edited into a single CD by Ecoutez Le Cinema series released by Universal, and dedicated to the musical memory of French cinema. Just indispensable.