Les Songes de l'arc, op. 270

When Hélène Breschand and her colleagues asked me to write pieces suitable for young harpists, I took up the challenge with enthusiasm. I had written several pieces for, or with harp, before but on this ocasion I was particularly careful to double-check the proficiency level required for performing these two sets of 7 pieces. I am grateful for Hélène's precious advice. The 7 pieces in this first volume are aimed at first cycle students - including beginners ( music schools and conservatoires). They are written for harps without pedals but can also be performed on the big harp. Dedicated to Hélène Breschand, Laurence Bancaud and Ghislaine Petit- Volta, members of 'Les signes de l'arc' association. The second set of pieces, grouped under the title 7 Preludes, is aimed at second-cycle students and designed for pedal harp. They are dedicated to Hélène Breschand and Anne Ricquebourg. The decision to write 7 pieces in each set is the result of a chain of thought. The bow shape of the primitive harp made me think of the rainbow and its 7 colors. Besides, '7' also refers to our 7-note music scale. Rainbows, of course, but Nature in general is a frequent source of inspiration*: like Natures infinite variety, the harp's palette of tonal variations is almost limitless and may be experienced even at beginner's level. Ivane Béatrice BELLOCQ

1. Song of the Dunes

2. Oracle

3. Distant Thunders

4. Storm

5. Rainy Season

6. Scent of the Moon

7. Dreams of the Bow