The music of the Baroque era has always had a deep appeal to me with its rhythmic energy, complexity of texture and distinctive harmonic palette. When writing this piece, I wanted to pay tribute to this music that I love whilst still presenting a contemporary work for the Baroque violin and harpsichord.
A recurring feature of the work is the use of various open strings as a pedal, inspired by the writing in the prelude of Bach’s Partita in E major for Solo Violin BWV 1006. As the name suggests, the piece begins with a lively motif in 7/8 using the E string. The piece follows a loose rondo structure with a lyrical B theme and a C theme utilizing double stops across the range of the violin. The work ends with a cadenza like passage, again using the open E and with fretted shapes on the A and D strings, also inspired by Bach’s writing but this time in the opening of the violin sonata in E minor BWV 1023.
The harmonic language is tonal throughout, exploring a variety of extended chords and the lively character of many fast Baroque dance movements can be heard, although re-imagined with irregular meters and patterns.
To conclude, the work represents much of the music that I love, creating a sound world that looks to both the past and future.
Click HERE to see the first page of the score.
