On the Genesis of the 3 Capricci

From a mood, a melodic idea: a downward leap of a third, like a two-syllabled name that you call out, like a hello, like a cuckoo’s call.
No more.
Later, searching and finding a harmonic accompaniment to the melodic fragment.
A harmonic sequence.
Nothing more.

In all three Capricci, the idea appears in many different forms, like a déjà-écouté.
It is necessary to invent a number of other musical events to allow this small Proustian signal of memory to emerge unexpectedly again and again.
It is there. It leaves us again.
It disappears in a sea of other events.
Will it return?
Yes.

Now, in the last Capriccio, it presses urgently forward. The fleeting character that we know from the first and second capricci is now abandoned. The signal establishes itself. It remains a signal, yet now...
Now it has the weight of a theme, an insight. An affirmation.

(Preface to the edition of the three Capricci 2014. Translation: Laurie Schwartz)


More Infos: ENSEMBLE „Capriccio No. 1“ / „Capriccio No.2“ / „Capriccio No.3“