Five Bagatelles (score & parts) - WW5

Five Bagatelles

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

by Roupen Shakarian, American composer 

ABOUT THE MUSIC

In 1983 the Northwoods Woodwind Quintet asked me to write a work to add to their many state-wide educational concerts.  Other than short movements, they wanted the work to appeal to younger audiences, but also provide a lighter work for their concert stage performances.

With the Prelude and Fughetta serving as bookends, the inner three movements are playful little character pieces suggested by its titles. The Prelude opens with energetic and high spirits, as the theme becomes highlighted with each instrument as the movement hurries to a playful close. Alpine Morn evokes the solitude of a quiet mountainous spot, with cowbells and yodeling in the distance as they echo in the air. Frolic makes sport as the instruments hurl over each other with the theme. In the middle trio section, the clarinet introduces a little arioso before the movement returns to its initial rollicking spirit. Idyll evokes a restful moment with gentle lyrical passages softly supported by the warm colors of the instruments. The Fughetta puts the quintet in the rigors of counterpoint, but with one slight nuance. The entire movement is written in C-major with no accidentals (except as needed by the transposing instruments).  A challenging whim on my part, but I trust an enjoyable end to the Five Bagatelles.

ABOUT THE COMPOSER

Roupen Shakarian is an active composer/conductor in the Northwest. He has served as music directors of Philharmonia Northwest, Skagit Symphony, and Cascade Symphony. He has appeared as a guest conductor with many regional orchestras including the Seattle Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Seattle, Bellingham Symphony, Olympia Symphony, Saratoga Orchestra and Pacific Northwest Opera.

Other works include, “… is but a dream” for solo oboe (available HERE), written for Rebecca Henderson and recorded by Ms. Henderson on Boston Records label, Other Voices for chorus and small ensemble, commissioned by the Midsummer Musical Retreat Board, two choral pieces, Almighty and Everlasting God, commissioned by Opus 7, and If Ye love Me, Keep My Commandments, published by Oxford University Press.