Guise, Jean François de – Rhapsody for percussion, piano and accordion op. 23, No. 10

Guise Jean François de
Rhapsody for percussion, piano and accordion
Op. 23, No 10 (2019)

Rhapsody for percussion, piano and accordion, created in 2019, is conceptually a nonet. However, at least one percussionist is required who is able to play the rapid, rhythmic structures almost simultaneously on several instruments.

The choice of the accordion as one of the main instruments is still uncommon in classical contemporary music, at least when one moves outside of “tango” or similar music influenced by Latin America.

Jean François de Guise presents a piece here that is sure to surprise, as the title inevitably leads to associations with works with the same initial name.

The logic of the title becomes evident if the term “rhapsody” is taken literally.

Because an essential feature of a rhapsody is its loosely connected musical themes, which almost seem like incoherent fleeting thoughts, i.e. not necessarily based on one another or referring to one another.

It is impressive to hear again and again that this work nevertheless follows a continuous “plan”. The interplay creates a togetherness that is due to the accordion, as a connecting but still soloist instrument, which ultimately turns the work into a small “solo concert” for the accordion.

 4 drums, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, piano, accordion

 Score and parts / 87 pages