Cajun Sketches

Cajun Sketches, composed (c.2013) for Flute Ensemble by Peter Senchuk

The Acadians ('Cajuns') were early French colonists who began settling the Canadian Maritime provinces. As the British won power in the region, the Acadians were deported from eastern Canada and ultimately settled in their present home of Louisiana. This is the story of their journey.

1) Maritime Winds – a textural section representing the winds and waves that brought the settlers across the Atlantic to “New France”.

2) Au Chant de L'Alouette – the opening melody of a well-known Acadian folk song.

3)Scattered were they, like flakes of snow – a sorrowful tune about their deportation and loss of homeland (words from Longfellow's “Evangeline”).

4) La danse de Mardi Gras -the finale based on a lively Cajun folk song.

Scored for 4 C Flutes (2nd Flute doubles on Piccolo), 2 Alto Flutes, Bass Flute and Contrabass Flute

Duration 8:00