Concert Band
Madrigalum
Grade 4 | 4 Mins
Madrigalum was commissioned by Christelijk Fanfareorkest 'Psalm 150' from Dinxperlo, The Netherlands.
The idea of the commission was for an opening piece, something to start a concert in an unusual way. The title is a portmanteau word derived from madrigal. The work indeed starts in Renaissance mood, opening with percussion. A fanfare-like figure appears on a solo trumpet, based on the rhythmic figure (a long and two short notes) that was that was a signature start to many 16th century madrigals. But the piece tries to shake of its modal start and, by contrasting different instrumental families, the work changes direction into modern clothes. A legato section highlights the softer-sounding instruments and this alternates with the madrigal rhythm until a complete change of direction leads to a faster coda to finish the piece.