Ian Keith Harris

This work was completed in April 2006, and was written at the suggestion of, and for, Jennifer Paull. It is in four movements, with an Apotheosis. Les Amours is a pun on ‘les hautbois d’amour’, and a reflection upon loves past and present, and, in fact, ‘the whims of an old man’. As Jennifer and I share a love of the oboe d’amore, I entertained the fantasy of writing a quasi-baroque piece that we could play together – although we live half a world apart and my oboe d’amore has languished in its case for more than thirty years (since I ceased professional playing to teach and compose).

In similar fashion to many baroque sonatas, this work alternates fast and slow movements, beginning with a slow movement.

This first movement is marked Andante con moto. It is to be played with a steady and regular rhythm to mark the contrast between the two woodwind parts (initially long, flowing lines), and the vigorous, somewhat staccato harpsichord. The roles are partly reversed in the middle and development sections, but resume their original qualities in recapitulation.

The (fast) second movement, A grande velocita is essentially a dialogue between the two solo instruments, with staccato rhythmic accompaniment. This movement is almost a rondo in 9/8 -- three groups of three. Short chromatic passages for all in the second subject make a sparkling statement.

The (slow) third movement is marked Lento. The cantabile woodwind lines are conversational counterpoints over a walking harpsichord part. It should be played without rubato. There is a considerable use of the mordent in all the parts.

The (fast) fourth movement is a fugue written in a complex rhythm of 4/4 + 5/8, marked Allegro giocoso, which is constant throughout. It is built on what is basically a staccato motif.

The Apotheosis is a brief Grave movement. Here, the slow and dream-like woodwind parts are always in parallel, in contrast to the somewhat violent interjections of the harpsichord. This represents the triumph of hope over despair, light over darkness.

Ian Keith Harris
2006

Amoris scores are exclusively available in traditional bound format with global postal distribution and secure payment from Crowther's of Canterbury. Our full downloadable library is being prepared.