Preludes Noirs (Complete Collection, PDF, 8 Pieces)

The following body of works brings forth eight new pieces, with the aim to honor the tradition and lineage of the prelude for solo piano. The designation of ‘noir’ (black) has been used to convey a particular emotive space, one of introspective, dark nature. Although each piece is self-standing, this collection was also designed to be played as a complete set in the outlined order.

Preludes Noirs have been written to be complementary companions to my Etudes Noires. Whilst the latter are focused on complexity and virtuosic possibilities, the former aim to go inward, with a focus on simplicity, both technical and in their musical architecture.

‘Musical processes’ (and by this term I mean musical devices that unfold and de- velop logically and procedurally in time) still stand as the principal backbone of my creative thought: yet, while such are used in the etudes in service of rhythmic complexity, they are, in these preludes, employed only in service of motivic aims.

Preludes Noirs were composed between August 2021 and January 2023. This time period has been, musically speaking, among one of the most busy ones of my life thus far, inundated by a plethora of different projects of varied scopes and aims. In such setting, writing new solo repertoire has been for me a somewhat anchoring endeavor. It is my hope that this new book will become for you of a similar comforting presence as it has been for me.