Marlène's Song

Zohn's pieces are always a little off-centre, in the sense that his unique way of writing results in pieces that sound like nothing else you will have come across before. I have seen many over the years and the greater majority of them at first come across as a little strange and then over time you get to appreciate and hopefully love their essential quirkiness. Such is the case here. When I first played this I spent a certain amount of time stopping and checking what I had just played, because the sound I was hearing was at odds with what I expected. The problem, if that is the right word, is that nothing here is particularly difficult to play but the actual chords and melodies he puts after each other are distinctly unusual. Take the opening line for example. The opening chord sequence is (in sequence) a D minor with an added 4th and 9th. then a C# Major with a D bass, then a Bb major (D bass) then a chord from high to low of G, F#, and C#(D bass), an F# major (D bass) an A# major (D bass), a Gm6 (D bass), and a final pause on an A major (D bass). It is sequences like this that momentarily make you doubt your eyes and ears. However, after living with this piece for a while now, I am beginning to understand where it is leading but it is not a quick fix and his writing is so individual that it literally sounds so entirely new and fresh. Give this piece some time and it reveals its mysteries and you find a piece that is well worth playing. If unique but tonal harmonies are up your street, and you are of moderate ability, you may love this little piece. Chris Dumigan

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