divertimento
for Orchestra
(2222 / 4231 / tp+2 / hp / strings)
Duration: 7:00
Program Notes
Owing to a much-needed break from writing what has been a slew of mostly serious works, Divertimento was initially going to be a purely humorous piece, short and sweet. However, partway through the composition process, I got around to watching the latest movie from one of my favorite directors Masaaki Yuasa called Night Is Short, Walk On Girl, and was reminded of his brilliant and eclectic style: stinging colors, dense and surreal imagery and storytelling, profound themes, and every element laced with sharp wit and zany humor. It was hard not to be inspired.
This piece, consequently, started taking on some of the characteristics I associate with Yuasa’s work. It swings back and forth between sections of goofy play and over-the-top Romanticism, with each iteration more exaggerated than the last—until maybe it starts swinging in other directions.
(2018)
University of Alberta Symphony:
Conductor: Armand Birk
Notable performances:
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra - Symphony Under the Sky 2022