Village Passepied

Gilberto Mendes’ Village Passepied, composed in 1999, reflects a mature and experimental phase in the composer’s career. It is characterised by the use of chords that do not follow a traditional harmonic progression, but are employed for their colouristic impact. Mendes adopts a distinctive textural approach, using intervals that create bridges between the different sections of the piece.

Drawing inspiration from both minimalism and musical tradition, the composer nevertheless incorporates classical piano techniques such as legato and cantabile, while exploiting the dynamics and resonances of the piano to enrich the harmonic texture. The work is also notable for its use of arpeggios over a stable bass, creating sonic continuity and highlighting the resonance of the piano.

Village Passepied once again illustrates Mendes’ ability to combine tradition and innovation, while exploring new harmonic and melodic avenues specific to the musical language he developed after 1980.