This concerto, commissioned by the German-Canadian Amadeus Duo, is a triple "omaggio" to Ravel, Sor and the Argentinian Astor Piazzolla. While certain typical characteristics of the three composers are clearly audible in the movement dedicated to each one, the second movement not only quotes one of Sor's most famous studies but also uses extracts from the German and Canadian national anthems in acknowledgement of the two dedicatees of the work. The second movement actually opens with the first few bars of the Adagio from Haydn's Kaiserquartett before giving way to the final notes of the glorious O Canada by Calixa Lavallée, thus preparing the way for the entry of the guitar in Catalan accents. As it belongs to no other school than that of shared pleasure and emotion, searching only for the ideal balance between the orchestra and the guitars, this Concertomaggio cannot be easily pigeonholed. It is both classical and contemporary, and can only be likened to a brief but happy journey in space and time.

Roland Dyens
Translated by Mary Criswick