Partiels

Partiels is a 1975 music composition by French composer Gérard Grisey.

Written for 18 instruments, the piece is considered a defining work of spectral music.

[2] The opening of Partiels is derived from an electronic sonogram analysis of the attack of a low E2 on a trombone.

A low bass reinforces the fundamental an octave lower on the open E1 string.

[5] Partiels is written for the following 18 instruments: In the "Nomenclature" section of the score, Grisey indicates the possibility of performing the piece with only one horn player and one percussionist.