Instrumentation : flute
Composition : 2026
Commission : Commission by Festival sacré d'Antibes
Duration : 7 mn
First performance : September 23rd, 2026, in the Saint-Jean Chapel in Antibes, France
Publisher : Gérard Billaudot
Constructed as a mirror, the piece establishes a dialogue between two themes, like two souls responding to one another in a shared impulse. Like messengers between Earth and Heaven, these two motifs intersect, drift apart and find each other again in the vast expanse of the celestial realm.
The first theme, lyrical in character, gradually rises, like a sacred breath (pneuma) reaching towards the heights. It evokes a majestic ascent, imbued with a quest for peace and spiritual elevation. A second, brief and incisive motif then suddenly emerges (fortissimo and marcato), embodying the power of the Word, a call, or the mystery of the spirit. The two musical ideas engage in an intimate dialogue, leading to a first climax: the flute unfolds broad arpeggios that culminate in the rhythmic motif, boldly and brilliantly proclaimed on a high A.
After a moment of repose, the lyrical theme reappears on A, now softened and set alongside the more peaceful rhythmic motif (piano). Here, the work opens onto a process of transformation: the musical ideas once again converge towards a second climax of arpeggios, illuminating the motif in an entirely new light.
Finally, the opening theme sounds one last time on E, marking the return of peace, before the rhythmic motif, now imbued with joy, brings the piece to a close in a final ascending flourish of luminous arpeggios, reaching towards Heaven.