Rhapsody (BALAZS ARPAD)

Par BALAZS ARPAD. Árpád Balázs (*1937) composed the first version of Rhapsody for Hungarian cimbalom and concert band in 2001; in 2021, on the encouragement by a Japanese marimba player he arranged the solo part for marimba, and therefore the opportunities for the work to be played have significantly widened. The Rhapsody follows the one-movement structure created by Franz Liszt. The beginning solo section of the cimbalom (or marimba) returns before the coda as a pillar of the form. The composition, which can be divided into five sections, develops and works with a Lydian tetrachordal motif (G-A-B-C sharp) in different characters, stretching the span of music from a simple, children's song-like appearance to an obstinate ritual dance. In conclusion, the Rhapsody is a passionately emotional lyric orchestral poem rich in colours and characters, which has a place on the repertoire of every concert band playing quality music. / Date parution : 2023-06-01/ Répertoire / Concert Band et Marimba

Par BALAZS ARPAD. With its energetic impetus and imposing instrumentation, Concertino is certainly outstanding in the oeuvre of Árpád Balázs. Among his compositions for concert band, it is by far the most engaging and exacting work. Passing away and a will to live are simultaneously present in Concertino, which Árpád Balázs composed in memory of his beloved father. Its structure brings Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies to mind: its solemn opening, which returns at the end,is followed by a slow and a fast movement. The funereal music of the slow movement evolves from a motif of Bach's St. Matthew Passion with enormous intensification equal to the lament in Grieg's Peer Gynt. It is difficult to imagine a dramatic incandescence with a higher degree of heat. The heartbeat-imitating timpani features significantly at the beginning and the end of the funereal music. The fast movement represents resolution, resignation and regainedgaiety. This part, pulsating like a waltz and echoing the modulation technique of Richard Strauss, is followed by the solemn return of the opening chords.Whether playing or listenting to this tremendously soul-stirring music, you will all encounter a dramatic experience./ Répertoire / Concert Band