Octandre

varese Octandre is representative of Edgar Varèse's typical compositional style, developing and varying small fragments of sound. The composer himself describes it using an analogy with the growth of a crystal.

This approach is clearly visible in the first movement, while the second develops through crescendo. Much of the material in the third, however, derives from the first two, such as the trumpet theme of the first movement or the oboe and bassoon duet of the second.

Octandre, moreover, is Varèse's only work divided into movements, with the tempi: Assez lent, Très vif et nerveux, Grave-Animé et jubilatoire. Each opens with a different instrument: oboe, piccolo, and bassoon.

Another interesting feature of this piece is the total absence of percussion, an unusual feature for Varèse. His characteristic nervous rhythm, however, remains intact and is entrusted to the wind instruments, mostly the three brass instruments.

Edgar Varèse - Octandre
for flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, and double bass (1923)
ASKO Ensemble, Riccardo Chailly (1997).

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