Appassionato

Appassionato is a story about a decision about love. As the piece awakens, the oboes and flutes seem innocent and coquettish. They’re ready. As the orchestral participation grows, one has the sense of an entire field of rich colors is growing before our very ears. Enter the piano. Simple, elegant and romantic. Softly supported by the strings, the piano issues an invitation to the winds. They respond cautiously, curious to see what this charming piano has in mind. Various sections of the orchestra question each other, back and forth with triplets. Who is this piano? The strings announce that a love relationship may be possible. The piano replies tenderly. With eighth notes, the strings lift the piece into a wispy entanglement with the piano, counseling it, tempting it. The winds, using triplets, are not so sure. The piano makes a passionate plea; the strings are supportive. The piano and the winds have a conversation. They finally dance together. In the end, love wins.