Le Tombeau de Franck, opus 55 for piccolo, alto flute, flute and harp

Le Tombeau de Franck opus 55 is a commission from the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal for a concert entitled Immortal Ravel. The work is in two movements: Zortziko (piccolo and harp) and Kaskarot (alto flute, flute and harp). These two movements refer to the origins of Maurice Ravel, born in Ciboure in the French Basque Country. Zortziko is a pure rhythm of his native country, while Kaskarot was the name given to the inhabitants of Ciboure and Saint-Jean de Luz.

While composing, the composer lost her only brother Franck, who died suddenly in his sleep. In her tribute, Caroline Lizotte writes a powerful Zortziko marked by the obstinate rhythm, cry of the little sister’s heart, until the last heartbeat of her beloved brother. As for the Kaskarot, it pays tribute to the artist and his freedom. Lizotte brings to life measures composed by her and Franck, and build on the Kaskarot’s traditional form,  the stick dance.

In addition to playing the three types of flute, the flutist plays the foot tambourine and the harpist must also juggle with a table percussion technique, as well as with the tuning key inserted into the strings. An authentic and bold work, whose performers must render melodies and rhythms while interacting with the unusual.