Symbols for solo trumpet was composed for the 1999 competition of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. At the beginning of the work, two alternating motifs (A1 and A2, based on different presentations of the acoustic scale) are constructed in different ways. A1 is built up progressively by repeating and adding notes to the initial cell; A2 states a theme, each return of which will allow 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 trumpet player Antoine Acquisto has made a CD recording of this piece (label JPH Productions 009).