#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalSextet Week 3
By Ralph Graves
June is the sixth month. It seemed a good time to make sextets the #ClassicsaDay monthly theme. The most common sextet is a doubled string trio. That is, two violins, two violas, and two cellos. But other combinations of instruments are possible. And beginning in the 20th Century just about every type of combination has been explored.
Here are my social media posts for the third week of #ClassicalSextets.
08/16/24 Peter Schickele: String Sextet (1990)
Although known primarily as the creator of PDQ Bach, Schickele had a solid reputation as a composer. His “serious” compositions include film scores, Broadway, and chamber works like this one.
06/17/24 Steve Reich: Sextet
Reich’s 1984 sextet is for six performers playing multiple instruments: 3 marimbas, 2 vibraphones, 2 bass drums, crotales, sticks, tam-tam, pianos, and synthesizers.
06/18/24 Jan Brandts Buys: String Sextet Op. 40
Dutch composer Jan Buys is mainly known for his operas and operettas. His 1917 sextet has a slightly unusual lineup: three violins, two violas, and cello.
06/19/24 Emiliano Manna: Sextet for mixed ensembles
Not all sextets are written for strings. Manna’s sextet features flute (doubling piccolo), oboe, clarinet, horn, timpani, and double bass.
06/20/24 Philip Glass: Brass Sextett
Glass wrote this work in 1964. He was composer-in-residence with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. It was composed before he adapted his minimalist style.
06/21/24 Francis Poulenc: Sextet for Piano and Winds, Op. 100
Poulenc’s Sextet was written for wind quintet plus piano. The work was premiered in 1933.
