With Chiaroscuro, Willem Jeths gives voice to the boundary between shadow and light, echoing the concept of clair-obscur in the visual arts. The music moves through shorter and longer notes, often repetitive, with little sense of rising or falling—until, here and there, a sudden “shining star” emerges, surprising with its intensity. The low final chord should be sustained until it fades completely, dissolving into darkness. Through the C-sharp harmony, the piece also connects to the 24 Preludia project, referencing Bach’s Prelude in C-sharp major, BWV 848.

Commissioned by the Arnhem Chamber Music Society (Arnhemse Vereniging voor Kamermuziek) for its anniversary concert on 10 November 1996 at Musis Sacrum, Arnhem.