Jul17

Musical Dialogues

Bonifatuskerk, Van Vredenburchweg 69, Rijswijk

Mozart's 'Duo for Violin and Viola in G Major' is one of two duos written to complete a set of duos which Michael Haydn could not finish. The two instruments vie with each other with brilliant concertante writing, becoming two equal partners. The first movement is almost operatic, with contrasts between lyrical exchanges and playful passagework. The second is a richly ornamented arioso, and the third is a rondo, with a recurring folk- like theme (in both instruments), and many unexpected and humorous moments. .........................................................................................................................................

'6 Inventions', by James Hewitt, is about interplay, dialogue, conflict and resolution: communication between two people during performance. It is inspired by Bach’s 2 part inventions, in which a melodic motive (‘invention’) is developed, forming a thread which leads the listener on throughout the piece. But also, it aims to inspire the ‘inventiveness’ of the performers; the score is notated in such a way as to allow considerable freedom. Much is notated without definite rhythm, which means the two players have to listen and react to each other. They sometimes play off each other with dissonances and resolutions, sometimes pass the music between each other as in a conversation, sometimes imitate or interrupt each other. Or, one has a free melody, to which the other has to fit in a counterpoint. There is constant play between leading and following, between being together and apart.