Harlequin Suite (Volume 2)

Description

Harlequin Suite  (Concerto Grosso)  Volume 2, composed for flute choir by Ira-Paul Schwartz

Harlequin Suite, in six movements, is in the form of a concerto grosso, characterized by the use of a small solo group (the concertino), which is performed one player per part, against a larger group (the ripieno), which may use multiple player per part, while maintaining the proper balance.

The dramatic character “Harlequin,” in mask adn parti-colored tights, is probably the best known of the characters of Pantomine, a dramatic form dating from ancient Greece. Performed without words, the action is revealed merely by gestures, usually to the accompaniment of music. Initially a portrayal of mythological subjects, pantomine evolved into comedy during the Renaissance, a mood reflected in the suite.

Volume 2 includes the last three of six movements: 4) Fanfare II     5) Badinage     6) Gigue

Scored for (concertino) 2 C flutes, alto flute, bass flute, or 4 C flutes

                (ripieno) 2 C flutes, alto flute, bass flute, or 4 C flutes