Zvony Nagy
Epigram Variations
Duration: 10'
Instrumentation details:
violoncello
1st violoncello
2nd violoncello
3rd violoncello
Epigram Variations
Video
Work introduction
Based on Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite no. 1 in G major, BWV 1007, and composed in part as an opposition to it, Epigram Variations (2014) offers a collage-like re-composition of the primary musical material extrapolated from Bach's composition. By carefully examining consecutive musical motives and phrases from the source, the so-called "theme" of the piece becomes gradually revealed in each successive variation. The composition de-constructs the musical past through the systematic transformation of musical material by offering retrospective instances of the newly composed narrative. As a result, the piece smoothly segues into an extemporaneous fantasy, culminating in visceral, ostinato-driven melodic and rhythmic lines.