Boulez, Pierre. (1925–2016) & Souzay, Gérard. (1918–2004)

"Improvisation I." - Autograph Musical Quotation

Very uncommon AMQS from important French composer and conductor, one of the major innovators and forces in 20th century music, who has here neatly penned a short quotation from Improvisation I, part of his longest work, Pli selon pli. Boulez has written out one measure and the title of the movement, "'Le vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd'hui' (Mallarmé)", signed and dated Salzburg, August 20, 1992. On the verso, a further autograph and inscription from the French baritone Gérard Souzay, dated Salzburg, August 1992.

"The extent of Boulez’s new freedom is perhaps most amply demonstrated in Pli selon pli, a work for soprano and large orchestra in five movements, sub-titled ‘portrait de Mallarmé’. Extended passages in which the registers of notes remain fixed make for a new simplicity of style, particularly in the vocal writing of the three Improvisations which form the work’s central core... The frequently ornate vocal style of the work does not preclude a somewhat expressionistic treatment of Mallarmé’s text, but Boulez’s real homage to the poet lies deeper, in the formal correspondences between his music and Mallarmé’s poetic syntax." (New Grove) (13289)

AMQS Classical Music