Décennales

Décennales are a type of musical composition that consists of a series of ten short pieces, typically for solo piano. The term "décennales" is derived from the French word "décennale," which means "decade" or "ten-year period." The compositional structure of décennales is characterized by its brevity and the contrast between the pieces, which often vary in mood, tempo, and character.

The origins of décennales can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel contributing to its development. Debussy's "Children's Corner" (1908) is one of the most well-known examples of décennales, featuring ten short pieces that depict various scenes from childhood. Ravel's "Jeux d'eau" (1913) is another prominent work in this genre, consisting of ten pieces that evoke the sounds of water.

Décennales are often characterized by their use of modal scales, whole-tone scales, and other non-traditional scales, as well as their exploration of rhythmic complexity and polyrhythms. The pieces within a décennale are typically independent of one another, allowing for a wide range of expressive possibilities. Despite their brevity, décennales have gained recognition for their ability to convey a sense of continuity and development, often culminating in a sense of resolution or closure.

The genre of décennales has influenced various composers and has been adapted in different musical styles, including contemporary classical music, jazz, and even experimental film scores. Its appeal lies in its ability to create a sense of musical narrative through the juxtaposition of short, contrasting pieces.