Description
Basically it is a set of three dances loosely described as Allemande,
Courante and Jygg. Orchestration is for Double Reed quintet 2 oboes, CA, Bassoon, Contrabassoon
The
style of the first one
is marcato, with a touch of irony! The contra leads with an Alberti
pattern followed by the first melodic idea stated on the Bassoon. This
motif is eventually taken up by all the instruments. The melody then
morphs into a lovely little B-section melody on the Oboe 1 with an
obbligato on oboe 2 before the DS. Surprisingly simple, but 3 mins long.
Movement
2 plays on the meaning of courante (running). It’s in 3, as courantes
were. Each instrument has an important role in keeping the music flowing
– even the Contrabassoon and Bassoon. The middle section has a mournful Contra
melody with weaving contrapuntal lines from all the others. There’s a
bridge into the DS and the first section is repeated, leading eventually
to the short coda.
Movement 3 is the hardest movement. It’s in
9/8 with lots of dynamism. It also has a few modern touches. After the
short (2 bars) 12/8 section, there is a Berlioz-esque dance of the
witches type of fever about the music. Then DS to fine.
