Esprit Rude-Esprit Doux (1 playing score)

Esprit Rude – Esprit Doux
1 Playing Score
Composer: Carter
Publisher: Boosey and Hawkes
Instrumentation: Flute and Clarinet

This was composed for the celebration of Pierre Boulez's 60th birthday concert.  In English, this translates to Rough Breathing/Smooth Breathing, and refers to the pronounciation of classical Greek words beginning with a vowel or an R.  With Esprit Rude, the initial vowel (or R) is to be preceded by a sounded H, which is indicated in the music by a reversed comma above the letter.  With Esprit Doux, the initial vowel is not to be preceded by H and is inicated by a comma above the vowel.  Both instruments have some rough and some smooth breathing.