Composer

:

Darius Milhaud

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1944

Publication Date

:

1946

Average_duration

:

15:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Darius Milhaud's 'Suite française (5), for wind band, Op. 248a' is a five-movement work that was composed in 1944. The piece was premiered in the same year by the United States Army Band, and it has since become a staple of the wind band repertoire. The first movement, titled 'Normandie', is a lively and energetic piece that features a driving rhythm and playful melodies. The second movement, 'Bretagne', is more subdued and introspective, with a haunting melody that is passed between the different sections of the band. The third movement, 'Ile de France', is a lively dance that features a syncopated rhythm and a catchy melody. The fourth movement, 'Alsace-Lorraine', is a somber and reflective piece that features a beautiful solo for the clarinet. The final movement, 'Provence', is a joyful and celebratory piece that features a lively dance rhythm and a festive melody. Throughout the entire suite, Milhaud's use of colorful harmonies and inventive orchestrations creates a rich and vibrant sound that is both engaging and entertaining. One of the most notable characteristics of Milhaud's 'Suite française' is its use of folk melodies and dance rhythms from different regions of France. This gives the piece a distinctly French flavor and helps to create a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the suite. Overall, Milhaud's 'Suite française (5), for wind band, Op. 248a' is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skillful use of orchestration and his ability to create engaging and entertaining music that is both accessible and sophisticated.

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