Traffic (2013) was commissioned by the Festival Juventus (Cambrai, France) and premiered there on 12 July 2014 by an outstanding ensemble comprising Ronald Van Spaendonck (clarinet), Ernö Kállai (violin I), Étienne Gara (violin II), Nathan Braude (viola), Aurélien Pascal (cello), and Peter Laul (piano). The work is dedicated to Georges Gara, Artistic Director of the Festival, and Ronald Van Spaendonck.
Structured in three contrasting movements, the piece explores a wide spectrum of textures and expressive gestures, yet remains unified by its rhythmic energy and thematic transformation.
- The first movement opens with a driving rhythmic ostinato in the strings, quickly joined by the piano. Over this energetic foundation, the clarinet and first violin engage in a spirited, almost conversational dialogue. A central section introduces new material while maintaining the obsessive rhythmic pulse that characterises the movement. The opening returns in transformed guise, leading to a vigorous and intense conclusion.
- The second movement adopts a more lyrical and expressive tone. Its overall character is introspective and melodic, although this is disrupted by a central episode that is markedly nervous and agitated. The movement closes in a dreamlike atmosphere, showcasing the composer’s skill in the exploration of subtle and refined timbres.
- The final movement is constructed as a set of variations on a harmonic progression. The string quartet presents the underlying chord sequence, which becomes the battleground for an animated exchange between the clarinet and piano. Gradually, the entire ensemble joins the fray. The variations become progressively more virtuosic, both in terms of instrumental technique and compositional complexity. The piece culminates in a brilliant, radiant finale – a heady, almost euphoric sonic apotheosis.