French composer, Pierre Boulez (b. 1925) is best known for his serialist, experimental and electronic compositions. However, his work for Soprano, Mixed Choir and Piano Reduction, The Water Sun also remains regularly performed.

Having studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Olivier Messiaen, Boulez soon began his own creative experiments. Amongst his earlier works was his cantata, The Water Sun, composed in the late 1940s. The work has since been revised many times. Based on poems by René Char, The Water Sun is atonal, exploiting many techniques. For advanced choirs and Soprano soloists, Boulez's The Water Sun provides a challenging yet riveting performance work.