Fete Galante
by Joseph Horovitz
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (Piccolo, 1st Flute, 2nd Flute, 1st Oboe, 2nd Oboe*, Eb Clarinet*, 1st Bb Clarinet, 2nd Bb Clarinet, 3rd Bb Clarinet, Bb Bass Clarinet*, 1st Bassoon, 2nd Bassoon*, 1st Eb Alto Saxophone, 2nd Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Tenor Saxophone*, Eb Baritone Saxophone*, 1) - grade 5

SKU: CN.R10026

Composed by Joseph Horovitz. Band Music. Score and parts. Duration 12:28. Published by G & M Brand Music Publishers (CN.R10026).

Inspired by the idealized pastoral landscapes of 18th century French artist Watteau, Horovitz wrote this collection of 3 dances: Pavae, Menuet, and Bourree des Masques.

Fete Galante was the term used to describe the most popular paintings of Watteau, The French artist of the early eighteenth century. In his idealised landscapes, figures in fancy dress embark on a voyage to an enchanted island; lovers pass each other in courtly dances and meet again in moonlit masquerades. It is a dream-world, but one suffused with true emotion, a romantic yearning for an unattainable Arcadia. This pastoral fantasy inspired the composer to write a work in three movements based on dance forms. 'Pavane' has one main extended melody, which recurs several times with increasing elaboration. In contrast 'Menuet' is a very short linking section played by the principal soloists, resulting in a chamber music texture. The final 'Bouree des Masques' is a fast march-rondo featuring fanfare motifs, punctuated by syncopated percussion accents. Fete Galante was commissioned by the Royal Tournament and premiered at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles International Conference on 20 July 1991 at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, conducted by Frank Renton.