Thom Ritter George

QUINTET NO. 2, CN 236 (1967)
For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, and Bassoon

PROGRAM NOTES

Thom Ritter George's QUINTET NO. 2 for woodwinds was written March 8 to June 6, 1967 in Washington, D.C.

QUINTET NO. 2 is a brief work in four movements, the first of which is marked Andante tranquillo.  Here the composer calls on his pastoral style, a lyric expression evoking calm and gentleness.

The second movement, Allegro moderato, contrasts markedly with the first.  Not only is the tempo faster, but the whole mood is driving and rhythmic with accents and interruptions.

The gentle third movement, Adagio ma non troppo, is songlike.  Consequently, the woodwinds can sing the melodic lines as if they were voices.  The central section is more expansive in character.

The final movement, Presto, is a fiery rondo which calls on the technical resources of the woodwinds.  After presenting the two major themes of this exciting movement, they are combined in the development and are heard working together.  The fast paced effect of this finale is heightened by surprising and fast changes in the tonal center.

Professional players have often given successful performances of QUINTET NO. 2.  But in addition, teachers have commented that this piece is ideal for showing students the fundamental techniques of woodwind quintet playing.

(TRGcm:2007.11.19)