Suite

Programme notes

This Suite for Piano comprises four movements: Intrada, Notturno, Giga, and Finale.

1. The Intrada serves as an overture, introducing various foundational elements that will be developed throughout the subsequent movements. These include the primary harmonic language, a defining rhythmic cell, the use of prime numbers for structural organization, and the polar note E-flat.

2. The Notturno is an atmospheric piece built upon a signature chord, referred to here as the "chord of predilection," which appears in both its original form and in various inversions. The remaining constituent elements of this second movement are a constantly transforming rhythmic cell, a persistent harmonic ostinato, and a lyrical melody.

3. The Giga is structured as a triptych in ABA' form. This movement exploits harmonic sounds by utilizing a rhythmic cell, a lighthearted scherzando theme, and a sharply accented marcato theme. The scherzando theme is inverted in the return, or A', section.

4. The Finale is a structurally complex movement based on the polar note E-flat and the Fibonacci sequence. As the composer, Robert Casteels, stated: "This finale is based on the polar note E-flat and on the contrast between two states: an apparently shapeless boiling and a melodic period. The whole is articulated on the Fibonacci series, the whole numbers of the 'golden section': 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 etc." The movement thus contrasts a sense of chaotic energy with clear melodic structure, all organized around the numerical proportions of the golden ratio.

Completion of composition 

24-VIII-1982

Analysis

- see Introducing the piano works by R Casteels written by Jessica Leong (2025) in Articles

- see Suite (1982) under Articles

Related essay by R Casteels

Music in Monochrome (2023) under Articles

Recordings

Intrada in link #1, Notturno in link #2, Giga in link #3, and Finale in link #4