Jenö Hajdu: Diabelli-Contest 2014

Two lecture remarks: 1.) pedal is free to use, except on places, where it is prescribed. There it MUST be used. 2.) the piece can by no means be played more slowly (appropriate know-how presumably) also faster, however may no way be played faster.


I extended the competition standards for myself in light of current events: Pope Franziskus spoke recently of the fact that we are experiencing the "Third World War”, because it burns “at all ends of the earth”. In this context to talk about “peace” is actually somewhat inappropriate.


For us the nearest hot spot is probably Ukraine. Since I have two colleagues, who are indirectly involved in the events, I dedicated the piece with no question to Ukraine, respectively to both and extended the title also as “A Dance for Peace - A Dance for Ukraine”. Since the rhythm (or the theme) should be “well identifiable” (standard), I've decided to write the whole piece in 13/8 (13/8 appears from the Morse characters without breaks in between. In order to be able to better keep the letters apart, accents are applied).


From these substantive thoughts for the standard Morse code “Irini” there is something else which everyone knows well: “S.O.S”. One can, yes SHOULD also be able to finally invoke peace!


These two rhythms (Irini= 13/8; S.O.S = 12/8) are combined in the piece in a delightful way (an interconnected sample, fuge subjects with the Irini rhythm, simultaneous, alternating playing, “S.O.S”. as counterpoint to the “Irini”, etc.)


Although by default 16th and 8th stand as written, I took the liberty of using 8th and 4th notations in order to avoid an all too “dark” notation.


Since in the piece a “key” actually is no longer at hand and the measures are relatively long, I decided before EACH NOTE to always write the chromatic signs (including dissolving characters). Perhaps some believe that through that the piece is more difficult to decipher - I find it pleasant.


The composition (completely new) was never played live. It was first produced on 10/10/2014. The *.mp3-file is therefore simply an admission of the PriMus MIDI edition with a bit better SoundFonts only to make a first impression. Since PriMus does not have the intentions of being a sequencer, the playing quality is nothing special and partially incorrect as well (stresses, dynamics). But I ask for lenience. The correct dynamics are located in the notes.


I regard the piece as a “virtuoso piece” - it requires highly technical performing of the designated pianist. Since I play piano I made sure however that the piece is in every case doable.