Dectet, Op. 1

Teresa Barlow wrote the Dectet, Op. 1 in 2020, initially as a lockdown project for students to record their parts independently. The piece has evolved since then with performances across the world. You can view splendid performances on the School YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WellsCathedralSchoolMusic The opening Allegro is jolly and accessible, with the melody shared between the sections, offering different textures and giving an opportunity to work on balance and ensemble awareness. The Adagio starts with a very slow 6/8, feeling almost pulseless, and develops into a beautiful and reflective piece, offering masses of space to let the instruments show off their warm, sustained tone. In the short final Vivo, the ensemble sings out a noble tune, and works together at speed sharing scales and accompanying figures, to bring the work to an exciting and energetic conclusion.