America's Cup

 

A salute to the famous sailboat race, this rollicking piece in A minor introduces compound time with an opening (and closing) section in 12/8. The fast flowing music of the opening, vividly suggestive of a ship slicing through the waves, returns in a higher key (B minor) after a warmly scored, sweepingly melodic middle section. This is a piece whose sophistication is an excellent showcase for a more advanced performing group.