Scenes from a Comedy

From Wind Repertory Project
Phillip Sparke

Philip Sparke


General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 8:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: de Haske
Cost: Score and Parts - €149.99   |   Score Only - €31.50


Movements (played without pause)

1. Overture - 1:45
2. Harlequin's Entrance - 0:45
3. Harlequin and Columbine - 2:30
4. Finale and Peasants' Dance - 3:30


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Glockenspiel
  • Sleigh Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This piece represents scenes from an imaginary pantomime. Many styles and moods are portrayed in this fully orchestrated work.

- Program Note from publisher


This work has no specific programme, but represents scenes from an imaginary pantomime in the Commedia dell’Arte tradition. A fine work with many contrasts, from triumphal fanfares through tender waltzes to a peasants dance. This major new work for advanced concert bands is sure to become a much-performed item in your concert repertoire.

- Program Note from publisher


Commissioned by Musikverein Allschwil, Allschwil, Switzerland, to commemorate their 111th anniveray in 2006.

- Program Note from score


The composer did not intend a specific story behind a theatrical presentation, but considered major scenes from an imaginary pantomime in the Italian Commedia dell’Arte tradition. A short and engaging overture is followed by the introduction of a knavish Harlequin, a comic character usually represented in diamond-patterned multicolored tights, wearing a black mask. A solo clarinet represents his part in a tender waltz shared with his sweetheart Columbine, a beautiful servant girl, performed by the solo flute. The presentation finishes with a vibrant peasants’ dance with staccato passages characteristic of the fast footwork and swirling skirts of the dancers.

- Program Note by Roy Stahle for the Foothill Symphonic Winds


Media


State Ratings

  • Texas: V. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources