To most people, a gigue brings to mind J.S. Bach and that constant note-mongering and mopping of brow as the notes spew in all directions. In many respects, Guy Chapalain's “Gigue” fits the genre, but it is more jig than gigue, and the chord progressions definitely have a Celtic feel. It’s aimed at the less-experienced quartet, and most of the perspiration is going to come from Guitar 1. Set in 12/8 in E minor, but alternating between E minor and D, it instantly reminded me of the Irish jig “Brian Borouhme” though the resemblance soon passed, as the piece moves into B minor. The D shape, comprising D on string 5 and F# on string 4 with fourth and third fingers, can be a buzz-fest for a novice, but here, our composer has eased us into that shape one finger at a time. The key change moves the sense of urgency up a notch - the bass plays more notes per bar and at times all the remaining forces are playing 12 notes per bar, but there are frequent changes of texture and density that add variety. Where the notes are packed end-to-end, there are occasional slurs to relieve the sense of remorseless progress, and these are nearly always on the first two of each beam of three eighth notes, though the occasional exceptions (sometimes no slurs, sometimes eighth notes 2 and 3 slurred) make the texture slightly uneven and perhaps one or two choices could have been different. In terms of playing skills needed, “Gigue” is another mixed-ability ensemble varying between, perhaps Grade 2 down at the gruff end of the ensemble, up to Grade 5 in Guitar 1, where fret 15 is called upon. - Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)
