TITLE: Petite Symphonie in Bb for Wind Instruments (1885)

COMPOSER: Charles Gounod (1818-1893)

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Gounod was one of the most distinguished French musicians and composers of the 19th century. He was born in Paris, on June 17, 1818. His father was a well known and respected painter and architect. Charles lost his father during childhood, and his music training was fostered by his mother, a gifted professional pianist. Gounod was sent, at an early age, to the Lycée Saint-Louis, where he achieved great success as a composer and pianist. Gounod was influenced by Rossini's opera "Otello" at age thirteen. That same year, he witnessed a performance of Mozart's "Don Juan". Mozart remained Gounod's model composer throughout his career. Gounod is best known for his romantic operas, Faust (1859), Mireille (1864) and Romeo and Juliet (1867). He also wrote many oratorios and cantatas.

MOVEMENTS: Four

1. Adagio-Allegretto 5' 30"

2. Andante Cantabile 5' 30"

3. Scherzo: Allegro moderato 4' 09"

4. Finale. Allegretto 4' 48"

PERFORMANCE TIME: 19' 57"

INSTRUMENTATION: 9 Instruments

• 1 Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Bb Soprano Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns

EDITIONS: Available for Purchase

• Theodore Presser, Presser Place, Bryn Mahr, PA 19010
• Presser Website: http://www.presser.com/

COMPOSITION SKETCH AND MUSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Gounod composed two symphonies, the Symphony No. 1 in D Major and the Petite Symphonie. The Petite Symphonie is a symphonietta that is a tribute to the French wind instrument tradition, rich in melodic charm with strokes of harmonic invention. The work originated under the influence of Mozart, but under different circumstances. Parallel to a decidedly nationalistic group of French composers who worked together with the National Society of Musicians, a group of musicians formed an ensemble called "La Trompette", conducted by Paul Taffanel. The group became internationally recognized. Gounod composed the Petite Symphonie for this ensemble and specifically, Paul Taffanel. The first movement is in sonata form and uses similar melodic and harmonic material across all four movements. For example, the clarinets have similar material at a different tempo at the beginning of the second movement as they had at the end of first. Gounod composed, in the second movement, a beautiful melodic line for flute over the eight wind instrument accompaniment that was written to feature Taffanel. The finale movement is also in sonata form, utitlizing two thematic statements in the same key. Gounod explores the lowest range of the bassoon in this work, requiring a low B flat to be played. The entire work follows a classical symphony four movment format.

RECORDINGS:

RELATED WEBSITES:

Gounod Complete Biography- http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06683b.htm