Vijf Palindromen
Solo piano
Programme notes in Dutch
Palindroom: woord dat of zin die van achter naar voren gelezen precies hetzelfde is als van voor naar achter. In did werk, I. lal (een snel gewriemel van klanken) is verwand met IIIII. lul (clusters), en II. lel met IIII. lol.
Programme notes in English
Palindrome: [πάλιν again + δραμείν to run] word or sentence that read the same backwards and forwards. In music a voice can imitate a leading voice by inversion, contrary motion, in retrograde. Each movement of this work for piano in five movements is a palindrome: l→a←l, l→e←l, l→i←l, l→o←l and l→u←l. Tempo markings, metronome markings and duration are also palindromes. Furthermore, lal (laugh) corresponds to lul (clumsy, simpleton) and lel (part of the ear) to lol (laughing out loud). Sweeney and Sawa studied under Casteels. Naert is a family member. For more information and translation of the Dutch markings, see introduction to the score.
Handwritten sketches and drafts
to be found in chapter XVII of the white cover, A3 size, 600 pages sketchbook
Completion of the composition
9-VI-2018
Analysis
see Introducing the piano works by R Casteels by Jessica Leong (2025) in Articles
Videos
played by pianist Jessica Leong
link #1 = lal/ link #2 = lel/ link #3 = lil/ link #4 = lol and link #5 = lul
Original creation by designer Neol Leung Yick Chuen [2018] (reproduced with the permission of the designer)
Duration:
8' 44"
Composed In:
2018
Dedicated to:
lal to Beatrice Sweeney, lil to Keishiro Sawa and lol to Tuur Naert
Parts:
First performance:
17.03.25 College of Visual and Performing Arts, University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG), USA
First performed by:
Jessica Wai Yan Leong (piano)
Commissioned by:
979-0-9016546-1-7
Download Link: