Mouvements perpétuels (Perpetual Motions)

An early piano piece composed in 1918 during military service. It is dedicated to his friend, the artist Valentin Gross. The following year, it was premiered by his teacher, the pianist Ricardo Viñes, and achieved great success.

The work consists of the following three pieces, forming a suite-like composition. Each piece, true to its title 'Mouvement perpétuel' (Perpetual Motion), maintains continuous movement and could seemingly go on indefinitely.

• Assez modéré: 'Modéré' means 'moderato' (moderate tempo), and 'assez' means 'quite' or 'rather'. This piece features a continuous figuration in the accompaniment, creating a somewhat restless yet joyful atmosphere with its bright melody.
• Très modéré: 'Très' means 'very' or 'much'. At a slower tempo than the first piece, this evokes a sense of unease, as if lost in a labyrinth.
• Alerte: Meaning 'lively' or 'alert'. It is characterized by a cheerful opening that returns distinctively multiple times.