A French composer born June 6, 1959 in Toulon.
Laurent Martin had found an interest in jazz before he turned to composition. He then studied at the Rueil-Malmaison Conservatory and then at the Paris Conservatory, notably with Alain Bancquart, Gérard Grisey and Betsy Jolas. He then went on many artiste residencies, in particular at the Villa Medici (1992-1993), the Casa de Velázquez (1997-1998) and the Villa Kujoyama (2002). He was subsequently appointed director of the Saint-Cloud Conservatory.
A natural inclination has led him to explore concepts of sound and time. He uses a micro-tonality at the service of the exploration of lightness and variety of form and colour. His highly precise style effects a fusion of idea and matter when the performer confronts them for the very first time. His catalogue includes works for solo instrument (Narcisse for clarinet and tape, 1990; Toute volée for piano, 2003) and for large orchestra (Littoral, 1991; Il Tuffatore, 1995/2000), but above all one finds chamber music, performed notably by the Arditti Quartet and the ensemble 2e2m (Stentor for horn and 12 instruments, 1997; Légendes for violin, 8 solo voices, instrumental ensemble and electronics, 2006; Iris for soprano and instrumental ensemble, 2010).
