Composer

:

Pierre Bartholomee

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2009

Average_duration

:

8:46

'Face à face' is a contemporary classical composition by Belgian composer Pierre Bartholomee. The piece was composed in 1993 and premiered on March 19, 1994, at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Belgium. 'Face à face' is a three-movement work for solo piano and orchestra. The first movement, titled "L'homme et la machine" (Man and Machine), is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of dissonant harmonies. The piano and orchestra engage in a dialogue, with the piano often taking on the role of the machine, while the orchestra represents the human element. The movement ends with a frenzied climax, as the piano and orchestra engage in a battle for dominance. The second movement, "L'homme et l'oiseau" (Man and Bird), is a more lyrical and introspective piece. The piano takes on a more prominent role, with the orchestra providing a delicate accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of bird-like motifs, which are passed between the piano and orchestra. The final movement, "L'homme et l'homme" (Man and Man), is the most dramatic of the three. The movement begins with a slow, mournful melody, which gradually builds in intensity. The piano and orchestra engage in a call-and-response, with the piano taking on a more virtuosic role. The movement ends with a triumphant climax, as the piano and orchestra come together in a final statement. Overall, 'Face à face' is a challenging and complex work, which showcases Bartholomee's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, complex rhythms, and virtuosic piano writing. Despite its difficulty, 'Face à face' has become a popular work in the contemporary classical repertoire, and is frequently performed by pianists and orchestras around the world.

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