Nothing could be further from the heady drama of his opera "Faust" than

Gounod's cheerful, melodious "Little Symphony for Wind". Its infectious

nonchalance and easy gracefulness has made it a favorite with amateur as

well as professional wind players. Though it was written when the composer

was 70 years old and has the formal structure of a clasasical symphony,

ever one of its four movements breathes youthful gaiety and Gallic charm.

The second movement, Adagio, is a lyrical, finely sustained melody, mainly

for flute. The final Scherzo, with its bright, staccato, syncopated theme,

is remarkably "modern" for its time, and shows that Gounod was keeping

a weather eye on his younger contemporaries.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.