Somnis for Solo Piano by Josep Prohens Julià

Somnis for Solo Piano

Josep Prohens Julià

Somnis (Dreams) is a collection of five works composed between 1991 and 1993. The important elements of these pieces are the timbre and the melodic line over a rich harmonic base. The movements’ descriptions plus their individual durations are listed below. These are great competition pieces.

Mixolidi
This work, composed in 1991, is written in the mixolydian mode based on D, with a combination of chords built on seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths which, together with the rich combinations of touch releases, gives the work a coherent timbre. Duration 2½ minutes.

Sentiments Modals
Composed in 1993, this work is a collection of ancient modes, major tonalities, whole tone scales and one twelve tone series. The structure is in small sections: A-B-C-D-B-A. The first section, Calmado is written in the lydian mode and the melody is presented over a pedal point for the tonic. The second section, Grandioso, is in E Major. It is homophonic, and the chords are written in the form of a wholetone scale in a majestic manner. The next section is gray, and sadness prevails. A short contrasting episode follows from measure 33-38. The D section is split into three sections: the first in octaves, the second is a harmonized repetition, and the third is based on the wholetone scale. A chromatic passage of quintuplets leads back to the B and A sections respectively, with the A section transposed to E lydian. Duration 4 minutes.

Petita Variaci Ciclica
This work is in A-B-A form. The A section is in three quarter time and the rhythmic formula presented here is consistent throughout the piece. The B section, in a Romantic style has a tonal center on C, and modulates in thirds. The return of the A section is a development of the initial motive, and is much louder. The coda presents the rhythmic motive from the opening but in b minor over a pedal point of the tonic, which serves to resolve the tension from the climax. Duration 5 minutes.

Sons Nocturns
The most important elements of this work are the distinct timbres, colors and exploration of the entire keyboard. The form is A-B-A. The B section is in free form. The vertical sonorities are formed through chords of the third, fourth, fifth and clusters. The work expresses a night of dreams, some are tense while others are tranquil. Duration 5½ minutes.

Somnis
Composed in 1993, this work opens with a fugue-like subject in the style of Olivier Messian. The rhythmic motive is developed and leads into a contrasting section, presto con fuoco, which sounds like a dialogue between mysterious characters. The central section, energica, with its ostinato is reminiscent of the opening theme exploiting the piano’s sonority. The following section is calm and the motive is augmented. The last five measures, the coda consist of the first four notes of the subject. Duration 7 minutes.

Features:

• Intermediate/advanced

• CD available

•Excellent competition pieces