Gérard Pesson’s Le Tombeau de Rameau: Composing with History
How does one compose for harpsichord today? Over a century after its rediscovery, this instrument remains anchored in its early repertoire. By engaging with the composition of a work for this instrument, a composer makes a statement about history in general and about the history of this instrument in particular. Gérard Pesson’s Le Tombeau de Rameau questions the notion of tribute through its use of this historical instrument. Rejecting the use of direct citation, it is through the intimate integration of writing techniques and period genres that Gérard Pesson brings history into play in his oeuvre.