Work of the Week – Alexander Goehr: Double Chaconne with Gaps

What happens when the past and present become one? In Double Chaconne with Gaps Alexander Goehr takes the idea of a chaconne and transforms it with new dimensions. This exciting piece received its premiere on October 15th 2022 in the Große Sporthalle of Donaueschingen Secondary School with the Talea Ensemble under the baton of Dirk von Lowtzow.

Old form – new shape: Double Chaconne with Gaps by Alexander Goehr

Alexander Goehr celebrated his 90th birthday in August, an important milestone celebrated with two world premieres in March 2022 followed by another this week. Quite an extraordinary way to mark such an occasion. Written in 2019, Double Chaconne with Gaps consists of 29 variants of the two alternating chaconnes. One is characterised by harp and piano (with strings and percussion), and the other, seemingly darker, is comprised of an alto flute, bass clarinet, horn and double bass. The juxtaposition between these chaconnes becomes increasingly blurred as they combine and overlap throughout the work.

Why Gaps? I am fascinated by the way the Japanese artist Hokusai, in his late work, began with a space on the blank paper and defined it with shape and image. Here, silence and sound transpose this idea. - Alexander Goehr

The premiere, at 2 pm is then proceeded by another performance of the work at 5 pm in the Große Sporthalle of Donaueschingen Secondary School.