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Homage to Debussy |
for piano duet
These three pieces are designed as a tribute to one of the finest composers for the piano. While figurations related to Debussy’s music are referred to, the harmonic and rhythmic aspects are transformed into a different musical language. In seeking to create a sound world that is unrelated to that for a single pianist I have pursued textural characteristics suggested by the title of each of the pieces, and their obvious reference to works of Debussy. The resonances and rhythmic cross-currents involved are possible only with two performers especially when the whole of the keyboard is deployed at times either for reverberation or for complex counterpoints. Jardins sous la Neige combines toccata-like flourishes with flowing cascades and constantly changing images. L’Isle enchantée concentrates on producing reverberations from all registers of the piano to create atmospheric ripplings. Reflets dans la Glace was originally composed as a separate work instigating the notion for a more substantial suite of pieces. This transfers Debussy’s ‘L’eau’ to the reflected light and movement on the surface of ice, exploring sonorities distinctive to the piano duo medium.
To have the work commissioned by artists such as Waka Hasegawa and Joseph Tong, who relate so well to the virtuosic challenges involved, is a great privilege for the composer.
© Edwin Roxburgh