Commissioned by the Orchestre de Paris, Affettuoso was written at the request of Paavo Järvi and Didier de Cottignies. The title, in Italian, refers to Eric Tanguy’s relationship with Henri Dutilleux, to whom the work is dedicated. The intention was to express with music his feelings after the composer’s death: a deep affection. 

Affettuoso will be premiered by Paavo Järvi and the Orchestre de Paris at the Paris Salle Pleyel on January 8, 2014. A second performance will take place on January 9.