Gigue

From Celebration Suite for Louise Bunce

'Celebration Suite' is a suite of dance pieces written for Louise Bunce for various occasions. The set (which is currently incomplete) will eventually have 5-6 movements and will form the first set of pieces from the second book of 'Romantic Miniatures for Piano'.

So far, a Sarabande has been composed and the finale Gigue, which were both written for Louise's birthday on the 29/10/06. In addition, a Gavotte was written in 2007.

The Gigue was completed on the 28/10/06. The piece uses the rhythmic style found in Hindemith's final to his flute sonata. The piece is easily of Grade Viii standard as the speed and jumps make it quite difficult to play.

The piece opens with a chordal pattern divided between the hands. This builds to a climax before the main theme enters. The main them (b9) is fanfare-like and features throughout the piece in various guises. A secondary theme is introduced in bar 17 before the main theme returns to close the first section. The second section is contrapuntal and develops the themes and motifs used thus far. The main theme returns in an altered version (b71) leading into the coda (b95).