Licoare

by Sebastian Dumitrescu

for 14-tone harpsichord and Lumatone-controlled synthesizer

Description

In Romanian, the word licoare means a delicious drink that is often sweet and alcoholic. It might also be a medicinal concoction, or even a potion that a wizard brews in a fairy tale. The Latin root liquor meant “something that flows”, i.e. that is liquid. In many European languages, the meaning has narrowed down to alcoholic beverages only.

Sugar and alcohol are indeed a powerful pair. Together they are nectar, the drink of Greek Gods. Tasting the licoare makes one dizzy with pleasure, but what happens when one enjoys it too much, or too often? Soon, the initial infatuation turns sour, the magic wears away, and we are left with a headache.

The length of this piece is insufficient to explore in depth all the sweetness and headaches – but hopefully it will be a properly-sized single dose.

This piece was commissioned by Matias Häkkinen. Its composition was supported by MES.

Instrumentation

cemb, synth

Category

Chamber Works

Premiere

Matias Häkkinen, harpsichord & Sebastian Dumitrescu, Lumatone keyboard. Sebastian Dumitrescu's doctoral concert, 2.10.2026, Sibelius Academy concert hall

Commissioned by / Dedicated to

Commissioned by Matias Häkkinen

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Archive number

MF36531

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