Dérive translates roughly as “derivative”; the piece is derived from two of Boulez's other compositions Répons (1981) and Messagesquisse (1976/77). The “derivative” is also a sequence of variations “on the name Sacher”. Six chords build a circular rotation, which mimic the structure of the piece, but also soften it.
The piece was premiered in 1985 by the London Sinfonietta, conducted by the late Oliver Knussen.
Pierre Boulez Dérive I
Jonathan Berman conductor
London Sinfonietta
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Published: 12 May 2022
