Louis Trepanier :Un An Sur L’Ile. Douze Etudes de Concert 10.Octobre : DOz

Louis Trepanier

Les Productions D’Oz: 7 pages

Here is one from a set of twelve concert studies, all published separately by D’Oz. This really is a study in every sense of the word, as there are numerous technical obstacles the player has to overcome before getting to grips with this piece, even though it is harmonically very clever and always interesting.

The opening section is marked Lento, liberamente with a zero time signature, simply because everything is very free tempo wise. The main ingredient however is the use of alternating pairs of notes written as demi – semi – quavers and played very fast indeed. Then the piece turns into a waltz tempo but this time with multiple  mordent groups preceding some of the bass lines and the melodies , again largely in pairs of notes , very quickly alternated.

After this considerable section the next one is marked Poco Piu Lento and is a melody filled with , again, two alternating notes in a tremolo style , and going through the entire section .Then a varied version of the previous waltz idea returns , changing tempo gradually throughout  and still full of the tremolo melody.

Finally the piece finishes with reminder of the opening section set in demi – semi quavers again before closing on a final low E.

This really is a very tricky piece to play, but then again it is an Etude! It is wonderfully played by the composer on YouTube should any good players feel interested in the piece. It is worth hearing and playing but you do really have to have a great technique!

Chris Dumigan