This grand work contains four contrasting movements. The first movement, Prelude, takes the form of an overture: it raises the curtains and marks the beginning of the piece. The brilliant motifs of the opening are contrasted by a calmer and more lyrical central section, after which the triumphant opening returns for the movement’s end. The second movement, Meditation, explores the intimate sounds of the oboe, as well as those of the flute and French horn, backed by a rich orchestral accompaniment. The third movement presents a more upbeat Procession, but not a Procession of the Nobles, as written by Rimsky-Korsakov. Quite the opposite, Procession resembles a “second line” procession from New Orleans, whose up-beat rhythms invite everyone to dance in the streets rather than the measured pacing of a march. Divertimento ends with a Hoedown, the tradition American folk dance idiom, when the band has the opportunity for both vivacity and virtuosity and may play as fast as it can. It is important to play all four movements with precision, clarity and, most importantly, enthusiasm.
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