Classique
Description :
Composed in Czechowice-Dziedzice, in 1984, Relief I for accordion opens a cycle of nine works for solo or chamber forces. This work is of a sarcastic character, and its multi-segmented form consists of the alternating of dissonant ‘quick’ segments, dominated by sevenths, with two-part dolce segments led in contrary motion, as well as series of chords repeated with a surprising nebbioso (nebulous). Relief I is a work full of nervous tension, meticulously built up, and broken variant phrases, with a striking conclusion on a falling cluster, ending with an F sharp major chord – like the many faces of a clown: thumbing its nose, sneering, reflective, mocking, pulling silly faces and… triumphing. This composition was dedicated to friends from France – the Menards and their children. It was first performed by the composer during the Summer Courses for New Music in Darmstadt, in August 1988.