Jean Balissat

Sinfonietta

This work is very representative of my musical philosophy and compositional style, which have always emphasized traditional concepts and values. The string orchestra, for example, is employed in the most classic manner, with no mutes, glissandi, or other special musical or technical effects. The musical ideas and compositional structure of the work are also presented along the classic model, with the first movement occurring in the sonata form, and the second as a scherzo based on a uniquely single theme. The third movement features a formally developed adagio, with its exposition being derived from a work originally conceived as a ballade for viola and orchestra, and, as would be expected in such a traditional musical setting, the final movement is a rondo.
Jean Balissat