Lesson by Thierry Escaich

What you'll see in this course

Work on passacaglia and Gregorian paraphrase with one of the greatest improvisers of our time.

The training program

Improvisation I : Passacaglia

• Lesson 1.0 : Passacaglia improvisation
• Lesson 1.1 : Part A
  • Rhythmic evolution
  • Imposing a style through variation
• Lesson 1.2 : Part B
  • Details variations
  • Soprano theme
  • Working on the theme skeleton
• Lesson 1.3 : Part C
  • Crescendo final
  • Coda
  • Treat the theme by varying the intervals
• Lesson 1.4 : Modern language
  • Interval-based harmonies
  • Placing the theme in offbeat
  • Spatialization to create a mood
• Lesson 1.5 : Registration
  • How to use a registration
  • Varying tessituras
  • Playing mode
• Lesson 1.6 : Working method
  • Working on cantus and ornamentation
  • Setting a rhythm
  • Change the arrangement and keep the chosen rhythm

Improvisation II : Paraphrase on « Ave Maris Stella »

• Lesson 2.1 : A – B – A’ form
  • Inspiration pieces
  • Exploiting the theme
  • Part A
• Lesson 2.2 : Introduction
  • Introduction soundscape
  • Transition
• Lesson 2.3 : Part B
  • Rhythmic toccata
  • Character creation and dialogue
  • Crescendo and return of the introductory theme
  • Play on the audience's memory
• Lesson 2.4 : Part A’
  • Treating the main theme differently
  • Registration with pedal theme
  • Return of introduction
• Lesson 2.5 : Harmony
  • « Stylized" harmony
  • Colored chords and passing chords
  • Varying modes
  • Varying the left hand with little
• Lesson 2.6 : Processes
  • Interval process
  • Chromatic process
  • Stagnation process
• Lesson 2.7 : Minimalist music
  • Create very long cells
  • Moving things slowly
  • Inspirational music