Zeichenstaub

The work was commissioned by the Hepp family. Damian Hosp (pen name of Kaspar Hepp) wrote a poem which reflects a black and white photograph of a skier. The poem describes the tracks left in the snow and the powdery snow thrown up in the air, described as "Zeichenstaub". The composer writes: "The idea of clear lines set against blurred textures as suggested by this intriguing word was a starting point in the composition of the piece."^[1][2] The work for violin, viola and cello is in four movements, with the dedication to the family reflected in their initials:

• Halcyon – Allegro energico
• Ethereal – Adagio tranquillo
• Pointilliste – Moderato
• Perpetuum – Allegro con moto^[1]

Each movement is dedicated to "its own sound-world". The first movement in Doric mode, opens with rising fifths, set against syncopated open fifths. The second movement is in harmonics, pizzicato and glissandi in a dialogue.^[3] The third movement reflects the painting technique of Pointillism in pizzicato. The final movement is a moto perpetuo, "the material continually transforms and re-invents itself with an urgency and rhythmic drive that finally leads the work to an energetic close".^[1]

The premiere was played in Arnstadt on 18 September 2010, with the composer as the cellist. The UK premiere was performed and first recorded on 9 October 2012 at Highgate School by members of the Münchner Philharmoniker Clément Courtin and Konstantin Sellheim, with the composer, celebrating his 50th birthday.^[4][5][6]

Zeichenstaub was published by Robert Lienau Musikverlag, Frankfurt, in 2013.^[7] The trade journal ensemble reviewed the work as "Das neue Werk" (The new work).^[8]

• Graham Waterhouse website