Enigma for Trio

Composed in 2001, Enigma is written for two instruments and piano (or harp). Each instrumental part has been individually adapted to the technical and expressive possibilities of the respective instruments — taking into account range, timbre, articulation, and specific effects.

This flexible scoring allows for a wide range of ensemble combinations: from traditional formations such as the standard piano trio, to rarer ones (e.g. clarinet, cello and piano; flute, viola and harp; violin, horn and piano), or even highly original configurations (e.g. soprano saxophone, basset horn and harp; recorder, bassoon and piano; violin, bass clarinet and piano).

The first movement revolves around a clearly identifiable thematic idea, which is not developed in the classical sense but is instead passed from one instrument to another, supported by secondary textures. The second movement is structured on the principle of a passacaglia: a five-note ostinato bass underpins the construction of two themes that eventually overlap, before one is absorbed by the other. The movement ends abruptly, with the surviving theme stated by all three instruments over the persistent ostinato.

The final movement, rhythmic and energetic, unfolds like a relentless descent — a race to the depths — driving inexorably towards a powerful conclusion.

The title Enigma reflects the somewhat enigmatic nature of each movement, all of which are based on minimal musical material subjected to extensive development. The work also serves as a tribute to Alan Turing (1912–1954), the British mathematician whose codebreaking work during the Second World War was instrumental in shortening the conflict by approximately two years. Turing, a key figure in early computing and cryptanalysis, was later prosecuted for his homosexuality and sentenced in 1952 to chemical castration following a widely publicised trial.

A version for clarinet, bass clarinet and piano has been recorded by Ronald Van Spaendonck, Jean-Marc Fessard and Éliane Reyes (Dux label, DUX 0531).