The idea of playing two instruments alternately in a single work came from Clark Terry whom I saw in a video. Alongside his virtuosity in alternating between the two instruments, I found the contrast in tonal colouring an interesting concept, almost as if a violinist changed to playing the violoncello. The small cornet in E flat possesses a soft and velvety timbre which is closer to the flugelhorn than the better-known trumpet with its more incisive tone. Sentimental music requires smooth sounds. This composition is my tribute to Miles Davis and Chet Baker, two idols of my youth. -Peter Eötvös, 2017