Les Trianons, suite concertante pour clavecin ou piano et orchestre
Genre
Date
August 28, 1946Location
Paris
Instrumentation
Harpsichord, Orchestra, Piano, PianoOrchestral Instrumentation
1112 2100 Asax Cel T+1 Str
Perc: (2 snare drums)
Manuscript Status
Alain Decruck collection (Full Score and Clavecin Part) [BOX 4]
Dedicatee
Dédiée à Marcelle de Lacour
Description
1- Allegro Moderato
2- Andante
3- Allegro Vivo
"Les Trianons" is a suite concertante for harpsichord or piano and orchestra composed by Decruck in 1946. It is dedicated to Marcelle de Lacour, who later became a distinguished professor of harpsichord at the Paris Conservatory. The suite is named after the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, two opulent royal buildings in Versailles from the 17th and 18th centuries, which serve as an evocative backdrop to the music.
Decruck’s composition is written in a Neo-Baroque style, blending traditional Baroque elements with modern 20th-century orchestration. The chamber orchestra is enriched with contemporary additions such as alto saxophone, celesta, and concert toms, creating a unique sound palette.
The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, introduces the work with majestic themes and prominent solo trumpet passages. The second movement, Andante, showcases extended harpsichord solos that interact with wind instruments, particularly the saxophone, adding a distinct timbral contrast. The third movement, Allegro vivo, is a dynamic and virtuosic tour de force, featuring brisk, syncopated harpsichord passages that highlight the instrument’s agility.
The solo harpsichord for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra's 2025 recording by Mahan Esfahani is a Challis pedal harpsichord, serial No. 77-379, generously donated by Jannis and Mark Buhr.