‘Vibrantly energetic, Renske Vrolijk’s ‘gRound’ is a fine homage to Machaut. Particularly successful in this playfully titled piece is the seamless integration of a deliciously distorted, biting electric guitar within the overall ensemble sound.’
– Erik Voermans, Het PAROOL
for performers and concert programmers
Medieval Mathematics, Electric Energy
In gRond, Renske Vrolijk fuses the mathematical precision of the 14th-century composer Guillaume de Machaut with the drive of a modern ensemble. The result is a work where ancient techniques gain a new, rhythmic vitality.
The Structure
The title is a play on form. The piece merges the rondeau (a medieval poetic form) with the ground (a repeating bass line).
Vrolijk inverts this principle. She lifts the ground from the bass and suspends it in the high registers of the violin and marimba. This creates a transparent texture through which the other instruments—including a distorted electric guitar—move freely.
The Mechanics
The tribute to Machaut lies in the engine of the piece. Vrolijk employs isorhythm: a technique where rhythm and melody cycle at different speeds, constantly shifting against one another. This creates a pattern that feels familiar yet perpetually changes shape.
For performers
Year:
2003
Duration:
8′
Instruments:
asax, tsax, barsax;
hn, tpt, tbn;
perc, drum-kit,
mba;
egtr, bgtr;
pf; (e)vn
Premiere:
24 dec 2003
Paradox
Tilburg
Combustion
Chamber
Commission:
Combustion
Chamber
Category:
6-18 musicians
Language:
—
Lyricist:
—
Are you interested in performing this work? Please contact my publisher.
Renske’s sheet music
is published by Deuss Music.