Dutilleux is one of the greatest composers living today.  Unfortunately,
living in France has proved a great disadvantage, as he has largely been
ignored by the Boulez camp and most of his commissions have come from
America (Boston Symphony specifically).  His has written very few pieces,
most for orchestra, although all of his works can be considered
masterpieces of the highest order.

Metaboles--This early masterpiece, in one movement divided into five
sections (or five linked movements) is so characteristic of all Dutilleux's
works--small fragments grow and phase into new ideas, textures, and
rhythms.  Go for the Szell, Cleveland recording of the premiere or
Tortelier on Chandos.

Timbres, espaces, movement--a work with Cellos featured and violins missing
for the most part--seems like it might be a dark work but is full of some
of Dutilleux's most spiritual and beautiful music.  Dutilleux added an
interlude later.  For the original version (sans interlude) Rostropovich
on Erato.  With the interlude, go for Tortelier.

Shadows of Time--Dutilleux's newest work, a Boston Symphony commission
premiered last year, and a grand culmination of this master's works.  Ozawa
is excellent (and exclusive) on Erato.

Ainsi la nuit--Dutilleux's most abstract work for string quartet--one of
the most imaginative in the idiom--go for the Arditti's on Montaigne.

PIano Music--from the early piano sonata to Jeu de contraires--all
meticulously crafted and sonorously original--go for Anee Queffelec (sp?)
on Virgin

Mystere de l'instant--For solo strings, cymbalom, and
percussion--mesmerizing--the sounds Dutilleux creates out of tese
instruments is amazing.  I'd go for Paul Sacher on Erato.

Please visit http://pantheon.yale.edu/~mkm35/composers.html for my
Dutilleux pages (and an in the works composers database).

Cheers,

Marcus Maroney
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