Praeludium

The composition Praeludium begins and ends at a fivefold piano dynamic. In between, the music revolves around motifs, quotes tonal colours and intertwines harmonies from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, thereby providing an unconventional prelude to its larger-scale sister composition. The orchestral scoring of Praeludium is exactly identical to that of Beethoven’s Ninth, except that the three percussionists have a much more substantial role to play: choclo [chocalho], crotales, guiro, tam-tam, bass drum and temple blocks (clock tower) are all employed alongside the Timpani.