The duke story
Today, the cross-over between classical music and jazz is commonplace, but it was quite different in the first half of the 20th century. The classical world regarded jazz as unconventional and frowned upon the genre. Moreover, there was not only aversion to the music itself but also to the perceived undesirable environment from which jazz emerged. Nevertheless, there were classical composers who had a great interest in the genre. The program features compositions by Bohuslav Martinů (Sextet, 1929), Erwin Schulhoff (Divertissement, 1927), and Francis Poulenc (Sextuor, 1931-1932). These three were so inspired by jazz that the aforementioned works undeniably bear the stamp of (American) jazz.
As a common thread, the music of Duke Ellington (1899-1974) resounds. Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington embodied jazz like no other. He gained fame as a pianist and bandleader for several decades and composed an extensive repertoire. In combination with the aforementioned classical works, a selection of well-known and lesser-known tunes by Ellington is arranged for wind ensemble and piano. Belgian composer Erik Desimpelaere drew inspiration from both the original jazz band sound and the more contrapuntal writing of the European pieces. In this way, we bring both musical worlds together into a cohesive whole.
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Duke Ellington / arr. E. Desimpelaere, Take the A Train
B. Martinu, Sextet for winds and piano
Duke Ellington / arr. E. Desimpelaere, In a sentimental mood
E. Schulhoff, Divertissement for oboe, clarinet and bassoon
Duke Ellington / arr. E. Desimpelaere, Prelude to a Kiss
F. Poulenc, Sexet for winds and piano
Duke Ellington / arr. E. Desimpelaere, Caravan
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Concept: Erik Desimpelaere, Francis Pollet
Compositions: Bohuslav Martinů, Francis Poulenc, Erwin Schulhoff en Duke Ellington/Erik Desimpelaere
Ensemble: I SOLISTI