Chamber orchestra - Grade 3
Composed by Peter Nostrand. Score and set of parts. Published by Imagine Music (IG.OMS128).
Item Number: IG.OMS128
Appassionato is a story about the struggle for love. While it was composed in a traditional ABA structure, there are many elements in this composition which are not at all traditional. As the piece awakens, the oboes and flutes seem innocent and coquettish. As orchestral participation grows, one has the sense of an entire field of rich colors growing before our very ears. Enter the piano. Simple, elegant and romantic. Softly supported by the strings, the piano issues an invitation to the winds. They respond cautiously, obviously curious to see what this charming piano has in mind. The strings express an opinion. It's not what the piano wants and he presses harder. The strings and winds question each other, back and forth with triplets. Who is this piano? The mid-section is an announcement by the strings that a love relationship may be in the cards. The piano replies with passion and tenderness. With eighth notes, the strings become entangled with the piano, counseling it, guiding it. The winds using triplets put their two cents on the table. They're not so sure. The piano makes a passionate plea; the strings are supportive. The piano and the winds have a conversation. They finally dance together. In the end, Appassionato is a musical expression of the struggle over whether or not love is worth the risk Sometimes in conflict sometimes in harmony, the piano and winds do unite. Passion has won.