Variacions iròniques (Ironic variations)

Ironic Variations, is a work for flute and piano, written during the spring of 2004 and revised 2006. It is dedicated to the Traç, duo formed by Catalina Roig Burguera, flute and Maria Tomàs Vicens, piano.

It is an original theme with a series of variations connected without pauses between them. The work is conceived in four blocks: Subject and 1st Variation – 2nd Variation – 3rd Variation – 4th Variation and Theme. The title clearly expresses the cheerful and carefree character that transpires throughout the piece.

The theme, structured as a small binary lied, is presented as a melody (flute) with a rhythmic accompaniment (piano) that playfully complements it. The first variation immediately follows, in which the triplets stand out and the minor seconds are treated as appoggiaturas. Little by little a fluid dialogue is established between both instruments.

The second variation is a kind of Scherzo in which the central section (trio) is substituted by a short waltz. It is a very brilliant ternary variation in which the polytonality is used in a caricature-like way.

The third variation takes on a more serious character. Harmonically it is modal in its conception. The rhythmic crossover between the flute and the piano seeks an effect of gracious instability.

The last group is presented as a freer variation where the contrapuntal treatment on the one hand, and the virtuosity on the other, announce the end. The work finishes with the original theme with the addition of a short cadence.