Quintessence (violon et guitare)
p. + parties séparées, Niveau 3-4
“Here is a new work form the
composer of Guaguanco, which I was so impressed with a few months ago. This new
piece written and dedicated to Duo 46 is no less an achivement. Subtitled a
Sonata, it consists of three movements, an allegro, a Tempo di Milonga and an
Allegro Energlco.
The opening 5/4 movement begins with both instruments
playing the opening melody, the guitar embeIlishing with some block chords and
every moment is filled with a jumping, rollicking 3/2 rhythm that carries on for
some considerable time. Soon the stress of the five beats changes and one is
constantly aware of the moving rhythms. The style of the music here is almost a
rock crossover, very friendIy in its harmonies and with lots of interesting
passages in both parts. The middle Milonga-styled movement has an engaging lilt
to it. It is enhanced by the sudden metre change to 6/8 before returning to 4/4.
A key change then ensues to G minor from the original E minor which is
extensively developed before the return to the home key and the opening theme to
close. Again there is much interesting work for both instruments and both
players need to be quite advanced to play it sufficiently weIl. The final
movement revels in a clash of Es and Fs wherein both instruments take it in turn
to imitate a figure resulting in the aforementioned clash of E and F. This then
moves away into different keys, but still retaining the clashing element
throughout. Triplet semiquavers abound in both parts and the music jumps around
freneticaIly with a lot of unusuaI but friendly harmonies to keep you occupied
and interested. Again it is a lengthy movement of 121 bars which retains its
forward moving momentum to the end. All in aIl, this is a very clever and
entertaining work, substantial and yet retaining a friendliness guaranteed to
capture any audience.”
(Chris Dumigan, Classical Guitar Magazine, July
2002)
