Prelude et Scherzo
Premiere on July 11, 2023, by the Cadence Wind Orchestra under the direction of Alexandre Jung at the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Eguisheim. The work is dedicated to Christian Villeboeuf.
Instrumentation :
1 Picc. - 2 Fl. - 2 Ob. (2. play EH.) - 2 Bn. - 3 Bb Cl. (3 musicians per section) - 1 B.Cl. -
2 A. Sx. - 2 T. Sx. - 1B. Sx. -
4Hn. - 3 Bb Trp. - 3 Trb. - 1 B. Trb. - 1 Tuba -
1 Hp. - 1 Timp. - 5 Perc.
pub. Alfonce Production - dur. ca 10 minutes
Prélude and Scherzo is a work in two distinct parts, as the title suggests. However, it is unified by a six-note motif that appears throughout the piece. This approach, more motivic than melodic, is characteristic of Jordan Gudefin's music.
The first part immediately introduces the notes of this motif, establishing a meditative and hesitant atmosphere, particularly in terms of harmony, with stacks of notes forming clusters. From this apparent disorder, a simple theme emerges on the English horn, supported only by resonant chords from the harp and percussion keyboards. This theme contrasts with the mysterious and anxious mood of the beginning, dominated by the unsettling six-note motif.
A second theme (the linking theme), which serves to connect the different sections of the work, is presented by a muted trumpet above the orchestra. It then gives way to the English horn theme, which returns triumphantly in a full orchestral tutti. The bassoon then takes up the second theme (the linking theme), leading to a brief coda where the orchestra collapses harmonically on the first theme, now played by the oboe.
The Scherzo, in turn, rises from the ashes of the first part and is explosive. The six-note motif, as well as the transition motif from the first part, are used in all directions. The final tutti combines part of the lyrical theme from the first part with the main motif before ending in a blazing orchestral finish.
According to the composer, this piece represents the strength, struggle, and melancholy one might feel when facing an illness. It is dedicated to Christian Villeboeuf, who himself fought against a disease."