Symboles for Flute

Symboles for solo flute was composed in 1999 and is dedicated to the internationally renowned soloist Marc Grauwels. At the beginning of the work, two motifs (A1 and A2, based on different presentations of the acoustic scale) alternate and each builds up in a different way. A1 is gradually built up by repeating and adding notes to the initial cell; A2 states a theme, each return of which will allow for development by increasing the number of bars and presenting new melodic-rhythmic cells. This construction is interrupted by a B sequence inspired by Olivier Messiaen’s rhythms and modes with limited transpositions. A1 and A2 then reappear, fully constructed. This is followed by a cadenza (played or not, depending on the choice of the instrumentalist) using various effects inherent in the instrument. The conclusion, very virtuoso, sees the thematic material of A1 return one last time.

The world premiere took place on 14 June 2009 at the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud in the 14th arrondissement of Paris by flutist Patricia Nagle.