Bacchus Bagatelles

This divertimento-like work comprises six miniatures inspired by the rituals and effects associated with imbibing alcohol. The first piece forms a prelude that could be subtitled “march to the pub”, while the remaining five form a series of doubles. They each begin with a passage marked “round” which forms an introduction to the main section. In Bagatelles 2 and 3 this is entitled Colloquy, in Bagatelles 4 and 6 Dithyramb and in number 5 Bacchanal. Throughout these pieces the individual characteristics of the material associated with each instrument become increasingly blurred, so that they are blended by number 6, which ends with a fragmentary reference to the opening march at half the tempo.

Bacchus Bagatelles was commissioned with financial assistance from Northern Arts by the Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven for the Academia Wind Quintet of Prague tour of the UK in October 1993.

Philip Grange