These four pieces were composed from 2006 to 2008. The "Diurne" name (diurnal in English, i.e. from the day) is symetrical to the "Nocturne" one (from the night), used by Chopin, Fauré and others. While a nocturne is dark, mysterious and dreamy, a diurne is clear, bright and sunny, a number of characters that are naturally expressed by the harpsichord.

My Diurnes have in common a frequent use of odd and changing rhythms, and the celebration of the sunny mechanical features of the harpsichord. However, there are also more reflective and introspective sections. In terms of structure, there is always a first part, which is reproduced at the end of the piece, after a development which may bring the listener in a variety of landscapes. The classical tonality is not abandoned, while seriously hit by polytonal, sometimes non-tonal parts. But there are also some (hopefully refreshing) almost perfect voicings...

The Diurnes form a suite, although the pieces can be played separately. Intended for the harpsichord, they have no dynamic indications; however, they can be well rendered on the piano. Compared to most European, classical contemporary music, they remain quite easy to read; the performer technical requirements range from moderate (No. 1) to advanced (No. 4).

I would be pleased to receive comments or questions from pianists or harpsichordists (or even simple listeners).

Francois de Larrard
April, 2009

Diurne No. 1	3:43	Larrard, F.
Diurne No. 2	2:02	Larrard, F.
Diurne No. 3	2:38	Larrard, F.
Diurne No. 4	2:24	Larrard, F.