3 Arlonaises

Are

Lone

Éze

“Three unconventional pieces fit together well”

These little pieces are dedicated, one each, to three different people. “Are” has a simple motif of alternating notes in common time that build into alternating chords as the parts enter. Soon, a high melody enters, and the remaining forces change speed - some faster notes, some slower bass notes. The various players each take the melodic theme, and each also takes, at a different time, the bass line and the rhythmic accompaniment. With mild dissonances throughout and with a limited sense of having a home key, this might not appeal to those whose modest technique has so far only been employed on music that is more consonant. Nonetheless, this is not a piece that jars the ear, and some of the discords that look ugly on the page are more of a gateway to a key change than they are the destination themselves. Technically, the demands are modest, but the wandering sense of key means that there are many accidentals, and the use of enharmonic equivalents might unsettle the less-experienced player.

“Lone” is in waltz-time, and again the role that each player takes varies as the piece progresses. Sometimes the writing is rhythmically uniform across the parts, and sometimes there is a greater sense of a melody being woven. With the phrases clearly marked, this is nicely under the fingers and yet some of the chords that build are open and spacious.

“Èze” in 3/8 time, is fast and busy, with bursts of four notes a second, often bringing effects that don’t often hap¬pen on solo guitar. For example, a fast scale on the major triads of Bb, C, D, E, F# moves through the keys faster than the ear can digest, pardon the strange metaphor. The joyous, bouncy feel is tempered by a real mix of chords, from light jazzy major sevenths to wide open chords that clash gently, right across to chords that have a pungent edge to them. Playing standard is between Grades 3 and 5, and the pieces lock together nicely. The harmonies will not be to everyone's taste, but the pieces make a strong contrast to more traditional fare.

- Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)