Connesson: Trois Chimères

Description

Trois Chimères is inspired by French writer (and one of my favorite authors) Gérard de Nerval's famous collection of poems.

"Delfica", the first movement, a mournful cantilena divided into three sections, starts with the exposition of a pensive theme, followed by a more asserted motif in the middle section before the initial theme recurs, this time with ornamental variations. The bare, essential simplicity of the movement echoes the deep melancholy strain that runs through the poem.

The second movement, "Myrtho", can best be described as a trio for solo cello, combining the nasal tone and melismatic character of the aulos (in the medium register of the cello), the acoustic simplicity of the pan flute (in the higher register of the cello) and the percussive effects of pizzicato and battuto playing modes, all evoking the "Eastern splendor bright" of Nerval's imagery.

In "Antéros", the furioso finale, rhythmic virtuosity is momentarily suspended as an intensely lyrical passage takes over. Bursting anew with unbridled energy, it seems to illustrate the first line of the poem: "…you are wondering why my heart is so full of rage.

Trois Chimères is dedicated to Jérôme Pernoo.