The stylistically very classic Variations en forme de chaconne were first performed on 23rd February 1902 by Gaston Courras, a cellist at the Paris Opera, and the composer at the piano. This piece belongs to the rediscovery movement of the master harpsichordists of the “Grand Siècle” (17th century) at the turn of the 19th and the 20th centuries. The interest that La Tombelle had for composers such as Couperin or Rameau is well known, as he himself often performed them in concert.
Other works by this composer explicitly refer to a certain form of classicism inherited from the past. For example the Passacaille or the Air varié dans le style ancien for violon and piano, the Toccata dans le style ancien from Suite d’orgue pour le temps de Noël or still the Suite pour 3 violoncelles.
A sparkling concert piece, these Variations en forme de chaconne combine the apparent simplicity of the source material with a great virtuosity spotlighting the performer.
Jean-Emmanuel Filet
(translation Philippe Do)