The essence of fire

The Swiss composer, flautist and conductor Caroline Charrière (1960-2018) lived and worked mainly in Fribourg after studying with Aurèle Nicolet, Jean Balissat and René Klopfenstein. She composed this twelve-minute work in 2015 Feux for flute, clarinet, marimba, percussion, violin, viola and violoncello. The composer was inspired by the various stages and aspects of fire: small flame, burgeoning fire, smouldering under the ashes, will-o'-the-wisp, heat, destruction, excitement, agony, purification, love, ashes and desolation, rebirth and joy. Here and there, a few notes of an Icelandic folk song are inserted. This programmatic concept becomes comprehensible to the listener, the piece is varied and exciting.

In terms of the cast Feux for example with Schönberg's Pierrot Lunaire and/or with the Folk Songs by Luciano Berio (the former requires a piano instead of percussion, the latter a harp, both additionally a singer or diseuse). Not to forget the conductor, who is needed for Feux needs in any case! Marimba and percussion can be played by the same person. The instruments all have easily realizable parts with versatile playing techniques. An attractive piece of new music by a Swiss composer who died all too soon!

On Youtube is a Inclusion of Feux to hear and see with the Ensemble Contrechamps (see below).

Caroline Charrière: Feux, for chamber ensemble (fl, cl, marimba, perc., vl, vla, vc), score and parts MCX80, Fr. 40.00, Éditions Bim, Vuarmarens