Written for full orchestra, the music of "Chasse Noir harkens back
to the classic sounds of Film Noir. This music was born out of the composers
desire to create a dramatic work full of frenetic energy reminiscent of
Hollywoods gripping cinematic chase scenes. After recently composing a
series of more intimate works, Dinah wanted to return to the kind of music
that drives her passion: unapologetically brash music written for the
symphonic orchestra. As a professional hornist, she most enjoys large-scale,
energetic, symphonic works that make the most of the orchestras vast pallet
of colors and where every instrument has something to contribute.
Formally, Chasse Noir, may be broadly viewed as a theme and variations.
The opening introduction, the main theme and its closing content are
continually varied as the protagonist runs through a gauntlet of distorted
musical ideas. Strings provide momentum with ostinato-like passages, while
the woodwinds answer the menacing brass with quick frantic passages to create
a sense of breathless pursuit. Trumpet calls provide transitions to harrowing
new variants in this musical game of cat and mouse. Each variant provides
cohesiveness through the repetition of easily recognizable themes and motives
thus enabling the listener to easily follow the chase while at the same time
providing the necessary variety to hold interest until its final denouement.
Though the work makes use of the full orchestral, the percussion section is
kept to a minimum, assuring their presence is used appropriately by avoiding
overuse.