Oscar van Hemel

Scènes De Ballet

The four parts of this composition are not programmatically tied to, or created from, any literary or pictorial data. They are four contrasts. The 1st movement Maestoso is alternately stately and expressive and in fact consists of a masculine and a feminine element. In a performance of this work, these two elements must be given shape. The 2nd movement Allegro Giocoso is lively and must be performed lightly. In the 3rd movement Andantino Espressivo, which has a timpani rhythm as its basis, a melodic character comes strongly to the fore. However, this must give way a few times to a short concise phrase. This 3rd movement has an exotic atmosphere. Part four Allegro Con Spirito has a scherzo character that is sometimes interwoven with lilting passages. This movement ends in a grand climax. Although this composition is not tied to any particular story (choreography) a ballet group could dance to it, hence the name 'Scènes de Ballet'. This should be taken into account by the conductor when performing this composition.