Composer

:

Henri Tomasi

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Henri Tomasi's 'Danses Profanes et Sacrées (5)' is a suite of five dances that was composed in 1942. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year and has since become a staple in the repertoire of wind ensembles and orchestras. The suite is divided into two parts: the first three dances are profane, while the last two are sacred. The first dance, titled 'Danse profane I', is a lively and energetic piece that features a playful melody and intricate rhythms. The second dance, 'Danse profane II', is more subdued and introspective, with a haunting melody that is passed between the different sections of the ensemble. The third dance, 'Danse profane III', is the most complex of the profane dances, with a driving rhythm and intricate counterpoint. The piece features a prominent solo for the clarinet, which is accompanied by the rest of the ensemble in a series of intricate and interlocking rhythms. The fourth dance, 'Danse sacrée I', is a slow and meditative piece that features a simple melody that is passed between the different sections of the ensemble. The piece builds to a powerful climax before fading away into a quiet and introspective coda. The final dance, 'Danse sacrée II', is a joyful and celebratory piece that features a lively melody and intricate rhythms. The piece builds to a powerful climax before ending with a triumphant flourish. Overall, 'Danses Profanes et Sacrées (5)' is a masterful work that showcases Tomasi's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both complex and accessible. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of wind ensemble music and remains a beloved work in the repertoire to this day.

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