Gestalt

2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in Bb, 2 bassoons, strings (65432). Composed in 1987, premiered in 1988. Nieuwe Muziekgroep, conducted by Marc De Smet. Published by the CeBeDeM, Brussels - 1987. Duration: minimum 10m.

Gestalt is a work combining traditional notation and specific items from the 20th century (unpitched sounds, free harmonics, special fingerings, multiphonics, etc.). It is also one of my numerous works where I tried to avoid the notions of beginning and end. The piece is to be played in entirety at least two times. The conductor is then free to stop the execution at any moment, choosing rather any ‘uncomfortable’ one, in order to give obviously the character of a unexpected end. Gestalt was premiered at the Royal Conservatoire of Music, Brussels, on January 14, 1988 by the Nieuwe Muziekgroep ensemble, conducted by Marc De Smet.