Hamelin - Toccata on “L’homme armé” - Solo Piano

Hamelin – Toccata on "L’homme armé" – Solo Piano.

Marc-André Hamelin’s Toccata on "L’homme armé" is a virtuosic and exhilarating solo piano work that takes inspiration from the well-known medieval melody L’homme armé (The Armed Man). This piece showcases Hamelin’s signature compositional style—blending dazzling pianistic technique with rich harmonic textures and rhythmic complexity.

The toccata format, traditionally characterized by rapid passages, brilliant runs, and intricate counterpoint, serves as the perfect vehicle for Hamelin’s reimagining of L’homme armé, a melody that has historically been used in numerous Renaissance masses by composers such as Dufay, Ockeghem, and Josquin des Prez. In this modern interpretation, Hamelin transforms the ancient theme into a breathtaking display of pianistic fireworks, with relentless energy, shifting meters, and an interplay of virtuosic hand-crossings, rapid octaves, and chromatic flourishes.

Hamelin’s harmonic language fuses elements of jazz, impressionism, and modernism, making this piece both a technical showpiece and a deeply expressive musical journey. While undeniably challenging, the work retains a strong sense of lyricism, allowing the theme to emerge in various guises throughout the texture. The relentless momentum and electrifying climaxes make it a thrilling piece for performers and audiences alike.

Comp: Marc André Hamelin

Item Number: EP68577

UPC: 9790300759654..

Item Number: EP68577

UPC: 9790300759654