Prélude for violin & piano was composed in Autumn 2020 in Antwerpen, Belgium, as a prelude to Debussy’s Sonata in G minor, L. 140. The work was premiered on April 17th, 2021 in the Concert Hall of the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel by violinist Nicolas Dupont, and pianist Olga Kirpicheva to both of whom this piece is dedicated. For more information and recordings visit www.adamvclarke.com Duration 4′ PERFORMANCE NOTES This piece was written with the influence of the folk musics of Bulgaria, particularly evident in parts of the melody and certainly in the harmonic choices. In the violin writing for instance there are some dancey folk-like phrases in triplets, or the breathy use of sul tasto, glissandi, and repetitive phrases that alter slightly with each repetition. The violin should be played teetering between a quite romantic style of performance (ie. m. 9 – 20), and that of a gypsy fiddle (ie. m. 22, 37) The piece can be played quite freely with the exception of m. 29 which should follow a strict, almost mechanical rhythm and tempo. The pianist should pedal so as to allow for the harmonies to blend, yet whilst still maintaining clarity of the lines and phrases.
