Énigme

Énigme, commissioned by Antoine Préat and dedicated to Marie Oppert, is a collection of three melodies for voice and piano that can also be performed independently. The three pieces have in common a certain harmonic steadiness and a similar use of rubato, with tempo fluctuations reflecting the performers’ various moods. The first melody, a musical setting of a quatrain by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, gives the collection its title. An insistent B-flat pedal point adds mystery to the philosopher’s dreamy meditation. In “Le piano que baise une main frêle”, on a poem by Paul Verlaine, bell-like sounds in tintinnabuli technique emphasize the gentle, fanciful character of the melody. Far from being a lamentation, the third piece “Et si la mort…” (the title is the incipit of a poem by Susie Morgenstern) does not express resignation but evokes feelings of tenderness in an atmosphere of joy and serenity. 

Commande d'Antoine PRÉAT

Premiered on January, 16th 2025, salle Cortot - Paris (France), by Marie OPPERT and Antoine PRÉAT

1. Énigme (poème de J.-J. Rousseau)

2. Le piano que baise une main frêle... (poème de P. Verlaine)

3. Et si la mort... (poème de S. Morgenstern)