| Description |
An old-fashioned dance style, the passacaglia or sometimes chaconne, was a slow and stately 3-in-a-measure dance, usually based on a repeating bass line or ground. This modern version uses the principle of a ground bass with 'divisions' - ever more divided notes - forming intricate curlicues as the music progresses.
Scored for string quintet and intended to be played by one or two to a part, the beautiful melodies over the solid bass give this piece the air of an older and more elegant time. Great to programme alongside real Baroque music, or as a feature in a concert around dance music. |