Bad King Wenceslas

A playful twist on the familiar Christmas carol, rhythmic and melodic motifs from the carol are presented in a dark, mysterious context. The introduction features an ostinato in the flute, building in momentum before revealing the melody in double time in the lower winds. The piece progresses with alternating eighth-note patterns and a variety of thematic development, culminating in a canon that features different instrument sections. Transitioning through a dramatic key change, it ends with fanfare motifs in the brass. The melody remains balanced throughout, and all percussion parts are integral to the mood and momentum.