Broken Grammar

solo harpsichord and flute, clarinet, bassoon, violin, viola and cello
composed 1995; duration 14 minutes
commission and dedicated to Lidia Guerberof
world premiere Danish Broadcasting Corporation 1995
Ulla Kappel – harpsichord
Danish Chamber Ensemble; Svend Aaquist – conductor

The harpsichord dominates the sound throughout the piece, which clearly falls in two sections. The first section is dominated by toccata-like playing in the harpsichord in it’s lute register. The ensemble – always in very soft dynamics – is perceived to be dragged through the sound as a result of the pace of the harpsichord.

The second section utilizes a recitativo playing by the harpsichord, which now uses its full register. Jagged tension and the element of surprise is pronounced in this section, but the generated energy is expelled. A short echo of the first section appears before the piece is brought to an end.

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