Divertimento No. 1 in G Minor

Originally composed as a duet for a student's Bar Mitzvah, at which he and Peter performed it on alto sax and Eb trumpet respectively; it was titled "Two Old Friends", since the bond formed during their lesson times was such that Peter knew it would stand the test of time for many decades - and it has! When Peter sat to compose a new wind band piece, "Two Old Friends" showed up in his mind and he decided to go with it. The music style is a blend between a lively 18th century counterpoint feel and Sephardic/Middle Eastern-sounding modes. The work is through-composed and travels through many scenarios as it grows, develops, and reaches higher levels of complexity throughout. Think of it as a Life Journey! There are multiple melodic lines; clean performance requires a somewhat advanced level of musicianship. Peter estimates it to be at a Grade 5. This piece is intended to be a fun ride from start to finish, with as many as five contrapuntal melodies intertwining at certain sections. Each winds section of the ensemble gets to shine in this Divertimento! Its textures vary from delicate to complex and rich, all the while churning toward the eventual, exciting finish! Enjoy!