Philippe Chamouard

Habanera

During my stay in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, I attended a tango show. My seat was in the front row. Being so close to the dancers and musicians gave me an intense feeling that I hadn't expected. This artistic trilogy of music, dance and colour had such an impact on me that I decided to write a score based on a tango rhythm. Back in France, busy with other scores, the project was put on hold for a long time. Then, by chance, the Cuban habanera rhythm, from which the tango and milonga derive, came to me one night when I was awake and reappeared several times afterwards. This episode led me to write a short piece for piano. However, as is often the case, the piano notes instinctively mutated into orchestral sounds. Although I had no intention of writing an orchestral score based on the habanera rhythm, I ended up developing the original piano score. Strangely enough, I feel as though I made a decision that was somewhat beyond my control. The composition is dated from spring 2024.



Details: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, 2 percussion instruments, strings