Orchestral Suite in G minor
The idea behind the Orchestral Suite is to create a sort of grotesque parody of the Bach Orchestral Suites. The basic structure of the work is the same -- a French overture followed by a number of dance pieces -- but the similarity ends there. The slow section of the overture exaggerates the subtle ornamentation of the Baroque French overture, employing swooping runs that encompass much of the orchestra's range. The harmonies are somewhat more dissonant with jarring changes, and the smooth flow of the counterpoint in the fast section is constantly interrupted by rude interjections from random voices in the orchestra.
The dances are meant to be almost diabolical in their dark energy. Frequent use of hemiolas and mixed meters keep the listener off-balance, while juxtaposition of contrasting instrumental timbres accompany otherwise innocent melodies.
Below are rough drafts of what I have completed so far. Enjoy.
As described above, the overture is in two sections -- a slow, heavily ornamented section with exaggerated dotted rhythms and fanciful thirty-second-note runs, and a faster, fugal section. It ends with a brief return of the opening style.
This was the piece that started it all. It was too brief to stand on its own as an orchestral work, and just too cool to let slide. It sets the tone for the remaining dances after the plodding conclusion to the overture.
This could be considered a toe-tapping piece, if you are tapping your toe while having a siezure. The meter is frequently changing, but sticks mainly to 3.5/4 time (three beats per measure, first two beats simple meter, third beat compound). The middle section is a musette with a theme whose rhythm is taken from the main scherzo.
A somewhat scherzo-ish version of the traditional Minuet, with the Trio beginning with an actual trio (two trumpets and trombone). Slightly faster than the standard Minuet with some rhythmic trickery. (In progress.)
I'm not sure whether this is a march, or a polka; hence, the name. (In progress.)
An example of the spanish dance made popular by Ravel and Bo Derek. (In progress.)
A fairly brief, flighty little dance to pave the way for the finale.
A dance once performed to cure tarantula bites. Usually very effective, since tarantulas aren't particularly venemous. Returns to the five-part rondo form not seen since the second movement.