Divertimento #2

Description

Divertimento No. 2
Composed by Isaac Page
for Flute Choir
Published by Nourse Wind Publications
Duration: 7'30″
Includes score and parts

An original composition in one movement!

Instrumentation:
2 Piccolos
4 Flutes
3 Alto Flutes
2 Bass Flutes
1 Contrabass Flute*

*The included bassoon/cello substitute part should only be employed, if necessary, in the absence of a contrabass flute and not be used for doubling it.

Performance Notes:
      Divertimento No. 2 was composed in 2016 to showcase Flute Street, a Toronto-based, professional flute ensemble in which Isaac's mother, Carolyn Ricketts, is a founding member. Flute Street first performed the work that November in Toronto and then, because of its generous attention to the melodic possibilities of the alto, bass and contrabass flute colours, chose to premiere it in Reston, Virginia (U.S.A.) at the First International Low Flutes Festival in April 2018. As the composer notes:
      As with my other Divertimenti, this work deals with how similar elements can create contrast. The homogenous timbre of the flute choir is used in this work to highlight the formal contrasts that are at play. Structured in an arch form, the work starts with a complex harmonic language that gradually simplifies. As the harmonic language simplifies, the accompaniment becomes more complex.
      In performing Divertimento No. 2 it is important to allow the dance-like rhythms at B and G as well as the 7/8 sections at D and H to lilt keeping the overall quality one of lightness. Played in an easy manner, this composition, with its exciting variety of textures, is a fine showpiece for demonstrating the solo and ensemble capacities of each instrument.