Groove!

The original version of GROOVE! was written for percussion and large orchestra in 2010, commissioned by the Brussels Philharmonic. In 2012, the composer rewrote this work for percussion and two pianos, as well as a version for solo percussion. He also rewrote the work for percussion and smaller orchestra. The rhythmic elements and patterns from various forms of world music were taken as inspiration. In jazz, groove means a sense of timing, feeling and swing created by the interaction between the different musicians. In this work, African instruments such as Burundian drums, caxixi and a kalimba (thumb piano), Arabic music with derbuka and riqs, and Asian music with tablas, singing bowls, etc. are juxtaposed with two pianos. The material used in Gishora from 2009 for trumpet and African percussion as a preliminary study is further developed here. An ethnic element is heterophony - the simultaneous variation of the same melody on different instruments. The intense rhythmic drive and the superimposition of different musical layers give this composition great energy. A dialogue and confrontation unfolds between the soloist and the pianos. The soloist's various playing techniques are refined to the utmost through the use of different sticks, playing with the hands, etc. Movements: I: 1001 nights II: Into a mystical world III: Black Magic