Évocation

“Evocation” is quite a short work - the part scores are a single face of A4 and with only a short section repeated, it lasts about two minutes at the marked metronome speeds. But quantity and quality aren’t synonymous. Opening in D major with some lovely light arpeggios over a high bass and some fairly straightforward natural harmonics, this is a pretty melody with a hint of slow, jazzy chords and some G minor contrasts. Of particular appeal is the use of the third instead of the root at the bottom of the chord, giving it real depth and a sense of moving forward. The center section is in D minor at a brisk pace, almost a tango feel - a mix of long and short bass notes with Guitars 2 and 3 playing syncopated two- and three-note chords, over which a scale-like melody is woven, with the middle beat of the bar extensively suppressed. The conclusion of the piece reverts back to the open theme and the piece ends as quietly as it began. Playing ability on “Evocation” ranges from about Grade 2 on the bass line up to about Grade 4-5 on top, but just because the bass line is easy doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to play - those deep inverted chords are to die for. - Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)