Les Adieux

Les Adieux began life as a piano piece (1998). In February 2003 the piece was completed and orchestrated for Furze Platt Senior School Orchestra.

The piece opens with minor chords in a march style before the main theme is introduced by the oboe (b9). The orchestra takes hold of the main theme (bb17-24) before a version is presented in 3/4 with fluttering woodwind. The middle section (b33) introduces a new idea for brass which is ceremonial in character. The opening minor chords return at bar 55 before the main theme is repeated twice with counter melody. The piece closes with a variation of the opening chords.

Instrumentation:

Flutes 1,2
Oboes 1,2
Clarinets 1,2
Bassoon
Horns 1,2
Trumpets 1,2, 3
Euphonium
Baritone Horn
Tuba
Bass Drum
Cymbals
Glockenspiel
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

Selected Performances:
-(15/5/00) Maidenhead, UK. Premier at Furze Platt Senior School's Christmas Concert.