by Guy Woolfenden

duration 11 minutes 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 bassoons       I Intrada   II Dance   III Finale   Serenade for Sophia was written to celebrate the birth of the composer’s first grandchild, Sophia Isobel, in March 2001 and is dedicated to her with love. The work is scored for double wind quintet with no doublings, and begins with a short formal Intrada celebrating the happy event of Sophia’s arrival. The Dance is melodic and friendly music that hints at warmer climates, and taps into the rich culture of Sophia’s Jamaican friends and relations. The Finale plays on the juxtaposition of two contrasted moods: firstly a reflective, somewhat troubled idea, followed by a happy Allegretto passage; the reflective mood becomes more espressive and is treated canonically, the sun once again breaks through the clouds, and shines even more brightly in a joyous coda. This three-movement work is full of good-natured, warm-hearted music. It is well crafted and displays a wonderfully light touch - something that is hard to achieve. In particular, there is variety of texture throughout, which gives the music space to breathe. Winds Magazine

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