Program Notes
An optimistic view of the brutal decapitations by guillotine during the French Revolution, Robespierre Feeds the Flies, for wind quintet, is a programmatic piece depicting the aftermath of the executions during the Reign of Terror, when, one might imagine, the flies and other insects were contented by the disregarded byproducts of the guillotine. In an Andante and Allegro form, the scene is set on the Place de la Révolution during an overcast morning, just before the sun rids the city streets of the mist and fog. Slowly, the insects begin to approach the unguarded baskets of the deceased and begin to whiz about excitedly, causing a great deal of mischief and annoyance as they unknowingly assist the efforts of the National Convention before being abruptly swatted away.
Music
To purchase the music for Robespierre Feeds the Flies, or to see samples, contact Trevor Zavac.
The following performance was the premiere by the Brevard Summer Music Festival New Music Ensemble on 7/17/2021 at Thomas Hall in Brevard, NC at 2:00PM
Rachel Reyes – Flute
Oliver Talukder – Oboe
Jackson Brown – Clarinet
John Degnan – Horn
Lauren Hallonquist – Bassoon
Notes
Robespierre Feeds the Flies was written for the 2021 Brevard Music Festival Virtual Composition Institute and was premiered by the above members of the orchestral division on 7/17/2021 at 2:00PM