[S]toccata

The word play in the title suggests the double reference to the Italian term stoccata, namely a thrust in a fencing sword duel, and to toccata, a virtuoso and fast piece of music, typically for keyboard instrument.

In [S]toccata the pianist is challenged in a two-hand (and forearm) musical duel, focusing exclusively on the space of the keyboard. Before the beginning of the piece a hidden ghost-chord is prepared, so that its properties and sound potential will interact, at times interfere, with the actions of the pianist.

The propulsive and dynamic character is often interrupted by the apparition of fluctuating ghost-chords, in a chiaroscuro game controlled by the pianist.