Five Fragments, Op. 42 is a suite for small orchestra composed on June 9, 1935, by Dmitri Shostakovich. It was the only work, apart from film music, that he composed that year. He approached it as preparatory work for the composition of the final version of his Symphony No. 4. The movements in Five Fragments are diverse, ranging from introspective and somber to light and playful. Shostakovich’s orchestration is vivid and effective, using a wide range of timbres and textures to create a rich soundscape. The work’s compact form allows for rapid shifts in character, highlighting the composer’s ability to create dramatic contrasts within a small space.
The score consists of five movements:
1. Moderato
2. Andante
3. Largo
4. Moderato
5. Allegretto
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Instrumentation:
- Picc, Fl, Ob, CA, Picc Cl, Cl, Bcl, Bsn, Cbsn, 2Hn, Tpt, Tbn, Tba, Tamb., Hp, Strings
- Duration:
- 8-10 minutes
- Set of Parts:
- Includes Strings count 5.5.4.4.3
