Guise, Jean François de – silence for chamber ensemble op. 23, No. 11

Guise Jean François de

Silence for chamber ensemble

op. 23, No. 11 (2021)

Silence, silence, that's how Jean François de Guise names his work op.23. No.11.

In fact it is quite quiet, although there is never any silence and quite a large cast is required for this tonelessness. Even the complex rhythms that are ringing are incapable of creating unrest.

The piece rests, as it were, in itself.

Perhaps that is why it has the subtitle “for chamber ensemble” and not “chamber orchestra”?

The composer is expressing his intention that everything should be as small as possible and really only simply occupied, so as not to produce an orchestral sound that just sounds quiet.

Despite the 12 players, a small chamber music emerged that makes use of a color that almost has a meditative character.

Only a look at the score reveals how difficult the work is and how precisely you have to work in order to transform the score into silence.

 2 percussion sets, flute, alto flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, 4 timpani, marimba, violin, viola, cello

 Score and parts / 65 pages