Serenade for Wind Quintet and Harp
“Serenade for Wind Quintet and Harp” was commissioned by the BBC and first performed at the Cheltenham Festival on 15 July 1957, by the Virtuoso Chamber Ensemble. The Musical Times described it as “a most attractive serenade in six movements, none of which overstayed its welcome, but each of which had individuality and charm”.
This work is in six fairly short movements, since the composer felt that lengthier movements would have been less appropriate to this particular combination.
Invention, leading to
Intermezzo
Toccata
Elegy
Passacaglia al Minuetto
Finale
Nos. 1, 3 and 6 are thematically connected: No. 4 is scored for Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Harp: No. 5 for Oboe, Flute, Horn and Harp. throughout John Addison has attempted to write music that observes very specifically the characteristics and sonorities which the instruments in question, and only these instruments, can provide. The work is dedicated to his father.
Press Notices
“John’s Addison “Serenade for Wind Quintet and Harp” revealed a brevity and wit so characteristic of the British mind which was notably lacking in much of the preceding music. This prolific film composer presented a distinct personality in this music, and the lovely “Elegy” followed by a “pasacaglia al menuetto” combined the two forms with originality and flowed into an invigorating finale. Nancy Allen and the Boehm Wind Quintet gave it a rousing performance.” - Audrey LeLash
“John Addison’s “Serenade for Wind Quintet and Harp” provided an end-concert soufflé at the London Woodwind Quintet.” - Richard Maylan, The Times London. January 1973
“A most attractive serenade in six movements, none of which overstayed its welcome, but each of which had individuality and charm.” - The Musical times 1958