Holloway, Robin: Concertino No.3 (Homage to Weill) op. 29 (1975) 9'

for ensemble

Scoring
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Composer's Notes  
I Introduction
II Fugue
III Presto
IV Waltz-March
V Chorale
VI Coda



Although this homage is motivated by great admiration, it may seem disconcertingly oblique. But to imitate Weill in any way would be a poor sort of tribute even if it were successful. So the Concertino simply takes two of Weill’s characteristic textures – fugue and chorale – and uses them for quite different purposes, just as it takes his two principal body-rhythms – dance (triple) and march (duple) – and makes them fight. Thus the Fugue is an alla marcia which refuses to be thrown off-course by snatches of waltz; and the fifth movement is a waltz which is mocked and eventually conquered by snatches of march – though the waltz-rhythm has the last word just before the Chorale.

The introduction exposes the basic material and gives a foretaste of the rest of the work. The Presto links the two main movements, and is reworked in the Coda.

The movements follow each other without pause.

Robin Holloway

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This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer

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