Divertimento for Wind Orchestra

From Wind Repertory Project
Jindřich Feld

Jindřich Feld


General Info

Year: 2000
Duration: c. 8:50
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Ludwig-Masters Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00   |   Score Only (print) - $20.00


Movements

1. Little Overture – 3:00
2. Intermezzo – 1:50
3. Rondino – 3:50


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II (II doubling piccolo)
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
Flugelhorn I-II
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
E-flat Horn or Alto I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Wood Block


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Divertimento for Wind Orchestra (1997) has three contrasting movements, Little Prelude, Intermezzo, and Rondino, which exhibit a light musical character throughout. A popular instrumental form in the second half of the eighteenth century, the divertimento usually combines elements of the suite with those of the symphony. The divertimento typically consists of a varying number of short movements that range in style from suite-like dances to variations. Written for many different combinations of instruments, the tendency of most composers was to keep the ensemble size rather chamber-like. This score for wind orchestra is quite transparent, which reflects this chamber aspect.

- Program Note from University of North Texas, Denton, Wind Symphony concert program, 19 November 2015


In his Divertimento for Wind Orchestra, Jindřich Feld creates a tightly composed neo-classic work embodying the quintessence of Gebrauchsmusik as employed by Paul Hindemith in the 1920s and 30s. Indeed, in most compositional aspects, this work is reminiscent of Hindemith’s style, while at the same time retaining a point of view -- and a sense of whimsical jocularity -- which most assuredly belongs to Feld.

The “Little Overture” begins with a rousing introduction before introducing various members and sections of the ensemble in a series of imitative entrances on a theme. Variants of the introduction also frame the middle section of the work, where imitation and development of the theme continue. In the recapitulation, the theme is inverted, but still passed around the ensemble. One final variant of the introduction heralds the coda, bringing this compact overture to a close. The Intermezzo gently rolls along in ABAB form. The A-section is fully scored, with the jaunty, but angular melody in the soprano woodwinds. The B-section contrasts not only by virtue of its sparse scoring, but also in the manner in which the melody is broken up and passed around. Rondo is in a brisk six-eightmeter, also clearly sectionalized. Feld’s preference for rapid distribution of melody in both solo and sectional work again appears in this movement. Although full of energy, this movement comes to a dramatically quiet close – further enhancing the work’s charming humor.

- Program Note by State University of New York, Potsdam, Crane Wind Ensemble concert program, 15 March 2018


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class A
  • Georgia: VI
  • Louisiana: V
  • Michigan: Senior High AA
  • Mississippi: VI-A
  • Tennessee: VI
  • Texas: V. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Northern Symphonic Winds (Potsdam, N.Y.) (Brian K. Doyle, conductor) – 15 February 2020
  • McGill University (Montreal, Que.) Wind Orchestra (Alain Cazes, conductor) – 28 September 2018
  • State University of New York, Potsdam, Crane Wind Ensemble (Brian K. Doyle, conductor) – 15 March 2018
  • University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Symphonic Band (John R. Locke, conductor) – 5 October 2016
  • Indiana University (Bloomington) Wind Ensemble (Stephen W. Pratt, conductor) - 28 September 2016
  • University of North Texas, Denton, Wind Symphony (Jacqueline Townsend, conductor) – 19 November 2015
  • Michigan State University Symphony Band (Gretchen Renshaw, conductor) – October 2014
  • Grand Ledge (Mich.) High School Wind Symphony (Michael Kaufman, conductor) – 21 December 2000 (2000 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Berz, William. "Divertimento for Wind Orchestra." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 10, Compiled and edited by Richard Miles, 539-548. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2015.
  • Feld, J. (2000). Divertimento for Wind Orchestra [score]. Ludwig Music Publishing Co.: Cleveland, Ohio.