The upheavals experienced around the world in recent years have certainly led us into “new times,” and this piece, composed during that tumultuous period, is strongly inspired by them. The unusual rhythm of this 5-beat waltz—hence the title New Times—as well as the different episodes evoking instability (first large section, measures 1–130), nostalgia (central tango section, measures 131–151), uncertainty (post-tango section, measures 152–189), and frenzy (final large section, measures 190 to the end), reflect the limping quality of a world that is changing, tumultuous, troubled, and chaotic, spinning a little less steadily.
This piece is a nod to Camille Saint-Saëns, as it was inspired by his famous work Danse macabre. It is also a nod to Roland Dyens, due to certain writing influences that can be felt, and ultimately, it is a tribute to these two great and influential French composers whom I deeply admire. Altogether, it forms a blend of music written to explore the qualities and sonic richness of the guitar through an orchestral conception and dimension.
This version for four guitars and guitar orchestra is an arrangement based on the original version written for guitar orchestra. It was commissioned and premiered for the 7th edition of the Drôme de Guitares festival in France in 2023.
