Triptyque
Premiere on February 6, 2016, by the Blasheim Wind Orchestra with the Opus 4 Brass Quartet
under the direction of Roger Halm.
Instrumentation :
1 Picc. - 2 Fl. - 2 Ob. - 2 Bn. - 1 Eb Cl. - 3 Bb Cl. - 1 B.Cl. -
2 A. Sx. - 2 T. Sx. - 1B. Sx. -
4Hn. - 3 Bb Trp. - 3 Trb. - 1 B. Trb. - 1 Tuba -
- 1 Timp. - 5 Perc. -
Solo brass quartet
pub. Alfonce Production - dur. ca 14 minutes
Triptyque is a concertante work for brass quartet and wind orchestra. As its title suggests, the work is divided into three sections. As is often the case in the works of Jordan Gudefin, the same thematic motif is used throughout each section in order to unify the musical discourse.
The first section, incisive and energetic, introduces the dotted rhythmic motif of a dotted eighth note followed by a sixteenth note, which serves as a recurring thread throughout the entire work, along with its own theme entrusted to the oboe. The overall atmosphere is highly spirited and at times even virtuosic for the solo quartet. This section opens and closes with the same intervallic motif of a fourth — a deliberate choice, as the number four reflects the four soloists.
The second section is more melancholic and lyrical in character. The dotted rhythmic motif returns here, this time played much more slowly by the horn before giving way to a large flugelhorn solo. Once again, the beginning and end of this section are framed by the same thematic element: the flugelhorn solo.
All of this leads to a final section, introduced by a transitional passage in which the thematic motif of this closing part appears, this time presented by the flute.
The final section is in rondo form. This is also a recurring characteristic of the compositions of Jordan Gudefin, who often employs clearly recognizable formal structures. The atmosphere is festive and overflowing with energy; at times, the work even steps beyond a strictly classical framework through the prominent use of percussion, which drives this section forward with strong rhythmic emphasis.
The piece concludes with a true final explosion, in which all previously heard motivic elements are combined before coming to a sudden and abrupt ending.