Chasse Noir

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.