Symphonie minute (1994)

José Evangelista

orchestra

This short, four-movement work recreates in miniature the layout of a symphony. The music is rather nervous and light, the tempos rapid. In this respect it differs from the majority of symphonies in the repertory, which are mostly large-scale works both in length and in instrumentation, and are deeply expressive. My symphony consists of four contrasting movements: The first, Envol, is based on a very rapid theme that might suggest a bird in flight. Mélopée [recited chant] presents a melismatic melody of improvisatory character, which grows in range and intensity. Combat is highly rhythmic music, interspersed with reposeful moments. And finally, the Presto chromatique, which consists of rapidly rising and descending lines. The work is dedicated to my children.

Performances