Sinfonietta (Williams)

From Wind Repertory Project
John Williams

John Williams


General Info

Year: 1971
Duration: c. 17:00
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: MCA Music from Schott Music
Cost: Score and Parts Unknown


Movements

1. Lento assai-animato
2. Lento
3. Molto Allegro


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II-III-IV
Oboe I-II-III
English Horn
Bassoon I-II-III
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
C Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV-V-VI
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Tuba
Contrabass (3)
Harp
Piano (or Celesta)
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Metal Bar (high pitched)
  • Pitched Drums (3)
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbals (2)
  • Tam-tams (medium and large)
  • Triangles (3; two of them suspended)
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

'Sinfonietta' is laid out in three movements. The first movement, Lento assai, is unrelenting in its use of dotted rhythms, much like the old French overture. In m. 25 the tempo increases using other material. The opening motives return a few times in the movement with the final one the strongest while the whole ensemble is at fff. The second movement, Lento, opens with an elaborate oboe solo, similar to the middle movement of this composer's Tuba Concerto. Eventually the other oboes play in rhythmic counterpoint until measure 21 where the play in rhythmic unison but in half-steps. This is followed by the entrance of the brass playing similar rhythmic figures. The last movement, Allegro molto, starts out angrily with trombones and furious woodwind runs. A driving bass line begins in m. 9 which is layered over with a grouping of harp, piano, and percussion followed by solo woodwinds. Halfway through the motion of the music becomes reflective with a minute long piccolo solo in a slow waltz feel. The opening material from the movement returns and is concluded in the last six measures with the motif which starts the first movement.


Media

None discovered thus far.


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • John Williams website
  • Williams, J. (1971). Sinfonietta for winds and percussion [full score]. MCA Music, New York, NY.