It had been a while, after submitting my PhD, since last time I set foot in York’s music department. My return yesterday had a special excuse. I had the privilege of hearing the soloists of the Ensemble InterContemporain perform my piano trio, Dopo i sogni la luna, in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.
The first ideas for this piece took shape a few months ago in Reggio Emilia, where I was asked to write a sketch for Stefano Gervasoni. As I did not have a clarinet this time, I merged the former clarinet part into the violin part, then I composed four more minutes. This adaptation brought fresh challenges and new dimensions to the work, making the performance even more exciting to anticipate.
I am always astonished by the talent of the musicians of the Ensemble Intercontemporain. They immediately appreciated the piece’s musicality and performed it with passion and intensity, graciously navigating its intricate textures and nuances.
Being present during the rehearsals was an invaluable experience. I was able to witness the musicians’ interpretative process, their discussions about phrasing, dynamics, and articulation, and their ability to communicate so effortlessly through music. It is always a rare privilege to see one’s own compositions evolve in real-time as musicians explore different possibilities and craft their performance.
Sitting in the audience during the concert, I felt a mix of excitement and gratitude. Hearing my ideas materialize with such technical brilliance and emotional depth was incredibly rewarding. The acoustics of the space enhanced the clarity and resonance of the music, making every note feel immediate and present. Even the small mistakes became ingenious reinterpretations, a testament to the musicians’ exceptional skill and adaptability.
I would like to thank Prof. Thomas Simaku wholeheartedly for making the event possible and insisting that I composed a piece for it. Returning to my department under these circumstances felt deeply rewarding. Seeing familiar faces, reconnecting with colleagues, and sharing this experience with them added another layer of meaning to the evening. I could not have imagined a better reason to come back.
Stay tuned for more musical updates!
Here are a few pictures kindly shared by the Ensemble Intercontemporain and Prof. Thomas Simaku.
