Divertissement
(2005) - Divertissement was composed for the Cadence Music Ensemble. A
divertissement is a multi-movement composition designed to divert,
entertain or to amuse. The title came about as a result of the desire
of Cadence for a piece that would be full of energy, have interplay
between instruments, have lyrical lines, be able to reach all types of
audiences, and contain a show stopper. There are six contrasting
movements in this composition; Intrada, Nocturne, Waltz, Marche,
Romanza, and Galop. The Intrada is energetic and playful with a lot of
interplay between instruments. The Nocturne, being a night piece, is
both lyrical and mysterious. The Waltz is in a flowing waltz tempo with
occasional shifts away from three beats in the measure. The bass drum
in this movement supports the waltz rhythm at times and at other times
uses syncopation to contrast the other instruments. The Marche is not a
piece that would be used in a parade. It is a march that exists in the
mind of a child who is playing with toy soldiers; therefore there is
playfulness and humor that would not occur in a functional march.
Lyrical lines and expressiveness are the predominating features of the
Romanza. The piece comes to a rousing close with the Galop, which is a
"perpetual motion" type of movement with a lot of rhythmic variety.
This work is recorded
by the Cadence Music Ensemble on the
Emeritus
label. Duration: 15:00 Grade 4. $15.00.
