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Throughout Dérive Boulez achieves constantly varying magical textures using the resonance of the piano to enhance the different colours of the surrounding ensemble. For the whole piece the pianist is asked to hold down the middle, sustaining pedal, thereby adding to the sonorous possibilities of the instrument.The most obvious way in which Boulez develops varied timbres is by combining the different colours of each instrument with the different registers of the piano. In the following example we hear the flute contributing to the highest note of the second piano chord played with a flutter tongue technique.
Dérive: bars 1 - 3
The next example has changing pairs of instruments altering the timbre of one pitch (D) by pre-empting the top note of the piano chord in bar 7.First flute and vibraphone and then flute and clarinet.
Dérive: bar 7
Contrasting dynamic markings also serve to keep the surface of the music evolving as diminuendi, crescendi and sudden loud outbursts allow each instrument to cut through the fragile fabric of sound.
Boulez constantly makes use of the ability of the wind and string instruments to play extremely quietly and even determines whether they play with or without vibrato.
Varied playing techniques alter the overall sound and consistency of the music and add to the character of each of the separate sections of the piece.
From bar 27 the cello is asked to play pizzicato while the violin plays with the bow over the finger board (sul tasto) producing a darker more subdued sound.
Dérive: bars 27 - 32
The cello at bar 44 is asked to play on the harmonics of the string, producing a high, thin, "glassy" sound which blends well with the upper register of the piano and flute.
Dérive: bar 44
Most of the music of Dérive sits in the middle to mid-high register.This is where the brightest sounds are available and where all the instruments can blend easily. At bar 41 all the instruments play repeating groups of pitches within a very similar pitch range, creating a beautiful lustrous texture, blending in and out to contribute to the overall sound of the ensemble.
Dérive: bars 41 - 46
All audio examples are provided with kind permission by Nimbus Records: CD NI5167 London Sinfonietta/George Benjamin
introduction : intro.to Dérive : a guide to Dérive : harmony : texture : tempo : influences : words : definitions