compositions

compositions

ROSSINIANA

Duration: 25 minutes
Written: 1983
Premiered: April 30, 1984
by Rossini Quintet
Instrumentation:
  • 2 Violins
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Bass
Movements:
  1. March
  2. Gavotte
  3. Cuckoo Dance
  4. Minuet
  5. Intermezzo
  6. Mazurka
  7. Tango
  8. Waltz
Background
Rossiniana consists of six dances with a cuckoo and an intermezzo thrown in. The March and Gavotte are both preceded by a brief introduction taken from the middle section of the Mazurka (one of two that I wrote as a child). Each of the movements has concealed within it a paraphrase from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, varying in duration from a few notes to a-full melody.
The suite breaks into two major sections which may be performed separately (March through Minuet- section 1; Intermezzo through Waltz-section 2). In addition, any selection from the eight movements may be performed to suit the occasion.
Rossiniana was written for the Rossini Quintet, whose ability to perform with spontaneity and humour when desired, inspired me to include these qualities in the music.