This movement is called Frolic and is light and energetic. There are three main thematic ideas. The first is the section that occurs beginning at measure 4 and goes through measure 19. Dotted rhythms, staccato, and meter change are the main characteristics of this section. At measure 20, the second thematic idea begins. It is related to the first section in that it also uses dotted rhythms and meter change, but is more legato and begins with more sustained notes. The third thematic section begins at measure 54 and is thinner in texture, more playful, and has a legato theme over a staccato background. The motivic material in each of these sections has similarities and contrast is primarily obtained through contrast of style and mood.
These sections develop throughout the movement by varying key, instrumentation, and melodic material. There are several sections of imitation that are very energetic.
The major challenge in composing this piece is to make it playable by either a trio or quartet. I accomplished this by making the 2nd part an optional part. It adds some harmony that is not present in the trio version. The 2nd part also has important melodic lines, but those are cued in other instruments. After creating the piece in this manner, I then created specific versions for a trio of flute, clarinet, and bassoon or tenor saxophone; a quartet flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon; and a SATB saxophone quartet. The quartet versions gave even more melodic material to the second part. Videos of the transposed score (except WW Quartet Version which is in concert pitch) playing with sampled sounds appear below.
Your comments are always welcomed.
Dr. B
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon Version
Saxophone Quartet Version
Flute, Clarinet, and Bassoon Version
Flute, Clarinet, and Tenor Saxophone Version
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