rapprochement-éloignement

for mezzo-soprano, flute, viola and harp
Year: 1996
Duration: 10:30 min

upon the poem "Es wird später" by Karl Lubomirski

The metaphor of approach and withdrawal unfolds on multiple levels. At the beginning, the syllables of the phrase "It's getting late"—both in German and French —are fragmented and rapidly interwoven between the two languages. Gradually, the text becomes more structured, with parts coming together. However, just before the full text emerges, we find ourselves already moving away again.
The composition is structured in three main sections, each further divided into three subsections. Within these sections, evolving relationships between speed, meter, and event density shape the musical flow. Nine chords, each built from five notes, serve as the foundation for nine short melodies. These melodies undergo transformations in relation to the rhythmic structures, altering their form as the piece progresses.
At its core, this work is a reflection on the fragility of every moment.

concert recording with

Colette Hochain - mezzo-soprano
Sophie Dardeau - flute
Emmanuel Haratyk - viola
Virginie Tarrete - harp
Daniel Kawka - conductor

Poem by Karl Lubomirski

ES WIRD SPÄTER

Es wird später
Vögel ziehn nach Norden
wieder ohne mich
Am Wegrand kniet die erste Blume über grauer Krume
stehn schon Lerchen

Tage tragen ihren Lorbeer
in die leichten Flüsse
Über Tempelstufen sonnenschwerer Meere schreitet Blütenstaub ins Leere

Es wird später

 

IL SE FAIT PLUS TARD

Il se fait plus tard
Des oiseaux vont vers le nord
sans moi de nouveau
Au bord du chemin la première fleur s'agenouille
au-dessus de la croûte grise
des alouettes déjà

Les jours portent leur laurier
dans les rivières légères
Sur les marches du temple de mers lourdes de soleil
s'avance vers le ciel le pollen

Il se fait plus tard

(translation: Jacques Legrand)