Five Inventions (score & parts) - WW5

Five Inventions

for wind quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon

by Truman Harris

In "Five Inventions," the music wants to sing and dance; each movement is about a minute in length, with a bit of tongue-in-cheek now and then.  

The first invention introduces the materials and timbres of the piece, with a flute-clarinet duo followed by solos for horn & bassoon.

No. 2 is slower, more meditative, with solos for all of the instruments leading to a serene flute solo at the end.

The third invention is a scherzo.  Midway in the piece, we hear a brief reference to 1940s big band music, moving to the conclusion with oboe on horseback.

No. 4, beginning in a minor key, transitions to oboe & horn singing a happy tune in the cheerful ending.

The last invention is a waltz.  Various instruments share in carrying the melodies, and the clarinet leads us to a celebratory final cadence in Eb major.