Moody contemplation and harmonious playing are heard in “”Étude No.16” the first single from Roxane Elfasci and Baptist Erard ahead of the pairs full fourth album release. It marks the beginning of an ambitious project to arrange Philip Glass’s piano études for two guitars.
This single is an arrangement of Philip Glass’s piano étude, originally performed by Maki Namekawa, and it showcases Elfasci’s unique approach to bridge the worlds of classical guitar and contemporary minimalism. This piece showcases how the French guitarist continues to ensure her work remains fresh and vibrant, while also celebrating the intricate pulse and harmonic depth of Glass’s work.
“Etude No. 16” offers a glimpse into the innovative reimagining’s that will define Elfasci’s forthcoming album, set for release in the Spring of 2025.
In Elfaci’s arrangements, the French virtuoso strives to incorporate distinctly guitaristic techniques, ensuring that the music resonates as though it were originally composed for the guitar. For instance, the central section of Elfaci’s single “Etude No. 16”, characterized by its repeated piano chords, has been reimagined with rasgueados—an expressive strumming technique deeply rooted in flamenco tradition.
“Philip Glass’s music resonates in me particularly because it embodies a great modernity while remaining highly accessible: the unyielding, persistent pulse in his compositions, alongside the harmonic sequences, draws inspiration from both classical and pop music. I find great enthusiasm in the interplay between classical guitar and the contemporary musical landscape, and I take immense pride in bringing this album to fruition after two years of dedicated research and arrangements centred around the works of Philip Glass.” – Roxanne Elfasci