Sinfonietta (2024)

Wind Ensemble | ca. 10' | grade 4

Program Note

Initially, the sketches for this work led me to give it the title Symphony No. 2, "Petite", considering the dramatic nature and symphonic-style development of the music; the "petite" subtitle referred to the work's limited number of movements (only two) and the short duration of only ten minutes. But as the piece became solidified in its structure and pacing, I became more and more unsatisfied with the title I gave it - it simply didn't feel like a true symphonic work. With careful meditation, I eventually settled upon a new title: Sinfonietta, which literally means "short symphony". . . much more relevant, comprehensive title, I believe. 

Sinfonietta, for wind ensemble, is structured into two movements; the first, "Slowly, reflectively", draws inspiration from the serenity of the middle movement of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, featuring a similarly extensive and melancholic run-on melody that repeats only twice over the course of the movement. The second movement, "Quickly, with energy", immediately changes pace with a sudden burst of forward-moving energy, and maintains its momentum throughout its modified rondo form until the final bar.

Sinfonietta was the winner of the 2023 Austin Symphonic Band Young Composers Contest, and was commissioned by the Austin Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Kyle Glaser