Prelude & Fugato in F Minor by Francesco Durante Concert Band - Sheet Music

SKU: WE.GMM078

The most original of Durante's instrumental works are likely the eight Concerti per Quartetto, composed around 1740 for four-part string orchestra and keyboard continuo. Cast in four contrasting movements, each concerto explores a wide range of emotion. The Concerto No. 1 in F Minor begins with a two-part movement. The prelude "Poco Andante" is built on a four-bar descending series of suspensions which recurs throughout the section. The ensuing "Allegro" is based on the same harmonic sequence, but is cast in the form of a fugato. The rising fugato motif (m. 29) is always accompanied by a chromatic embellishment (m. 29-30), and begins on either the tonic (F minor) or dominant (C minor), occasionally interrupted by four-bar episodes that do not contain the motif, but continue supporting the recurring harmonic sequence (m. 46-49, 58-61). The movement concludes with an insistent series of quarter-note
chords.
In this version for band, most of the dynamics and articulations are supplied by the transcriber. It is important to observe all the swells and articulations, and to keep the pulse steady. Paying careful attention to these details will lend both passion and clarity to the performance. It is also important that doublings are well-blended and balanced. From letter G to the end it is essential to maintain a light and buoyant style. Both percussion parts are intended to add color and energy, but never to dominate the texture.