Szałowski, Antoni (1907-1973)
Wind Quintet (10:00) 1954 Publisher: Chester Music (c1956)
Allegro
Andantino
Allegro
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon
This work exemplifies certain characteristics of Szałowski’s music, such as chromatic runs, driving sixteenth note motoric rhythmic movement, and traditional tonality. The composer uses rhythmic grouping and accents to negate the indicated meter, and often establishes another meter within that meter. This kind of metric treatment is present in the first and third movement. Both of these movements also start with two-measure introductions followed by the first theme. Here, formal similarity ends. The first movement theme is very rhythmically repetitive and contrast to the second theme, which is gentler with less rhythmic contour. The second movement contrasts well between the outer movements. The melody is introduced by the oboe with support from the clarinet. Each instrument except the horn gets a chance for a solo presence.
Although technical demands are not of virtuoso proportions, the rhythmical material in the fast movements will need flexibility, lightness, and correct articulation. There is some awkward running sixteenth note material in movement three that will need careful practice. It should be also noted that there is a mistake in the oboe part in movement II, measure 8. The third beat should have 2 eight notes.
Grade: IV-V
Recordings: none
Sheet music source: sheetmusicplus.com