2 violins, viola
This work for string trio is inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Dictionnaire de Musique, with each of the three movements initiated by one of Rousseau’s musical entries. The first movement, Ouverture, with a tightly dotted rhythm as a feature, gives a sense of competitiveness between the players as the two violins vie against one another. In the second movement, Les Tierces (thirds), a gently combative exchange ensues, arguing for possession of the third with a major-minor disagreement. Peace is restored in the final movement, Chaconne, where melody and a steady tempo play an important role.
Programme note
Link to Score:
https://global.oup.com/academic/product/rousseaus-execution-9780193390775