Nebula chroma 2

1st Maurice Ohana International Composition Prize 2012, unanimously awarded by the jury.

Nebula Chroma is like a sonic cloud whose density arises from chromatic dissonances. Its form is constantly renewed by subtle micro-variations of the material, and each version can thus be considered a microcosm within which each timbre is sculpted by the instrumental gesture.

Performing multiple versions of the same work is a real writing challenge: keeping the substance of the discourse intact, that is, the very idea of the project, while varying the way in which it is revealed. Added to this difficulty is the pedagogical dimension, because the complexity of the work must be in line with the technical level of the performers. In this sense, complexity and instrumental virtuosity do not necessarily overlap.

The three versions are presented in ascending order of difficulty, corresponding respectively to a beginner, intermediate and advanced level - the latter being the generative model for the other versions. Concerning the writing, it was therefore a question of redefining the modes of appearance of the material by choosing the simplification criteria best suited to the required technical level.