I. Curieux
II. Mal a l'aise
III. Anxieux et agité
IV. Songeur
V. Sarcastique
In Cinq États d’Esprit (“Five States of Mind”), I set out to explore the expressive power of brevity through a set of five miniature pieces, each capturing a distinct emotional state. As both a composer and a lover of the French language, I was drawn to the poetic resonance of these titles and the challenge of translating complex internal experiences into concise musical portraits. The five movements—Curious, Ill-at-ease, Anxious and Agitated, Pensive, and Sarcastic—are highly contrasting in character, each lasting only a short time, yet distilled to convey the emotional essence of its title. Rather than relying on extended development, I used sharply defined textures, rhythmic variety, and a wide palette of melodic gestures to evoke the unique psychological flavor of each state. From the inquisitive energy of the opening, to the unease and tension of the middle movements, to the wry humor of the final piece, the set traverses a broad emotional spectrum in miniature form. Five States of Mind is a reminder that music need not be long to be expressive. Sometimes, a fleeting moment—carefully shaped—can say more than a thousand notes.
