First performed on January 10, 1965 by the Toronto Woodwind Quartet, Weinzweig’s Woodwind Quintet demonstrates the composer’s interest in both 12-tone compositional technique and jazz elements. He dedicated this work to his friend John Adaskin.
Weinzweig describes the work: “My woodwind quintet is related by temperament and technique to a number of earlier works; the “swinging” Bassoon Divertimento No. 3 (1960), the Divertimento No. 5 for trumpet and trombone (1961), with elements of rhythmic fluidity from the 3rd String Quartet (1962). These combine to sharpen, even more, the jazz outlook in the quintet, this time supported by a 12-tone row that accents minor third and minor second intervals. The over-all temperature could be designated as “cool” since most of the playing lies in the relaxed registers. The specific attitudes of the individual movements can therefore be described as: 1. a dialogue of ostinato phrases between Bassoon and Clarinet with an extended commentary by low Flute; 2. a free-floating rhythm with solos by all five performers in a more intense mood, within a constant 4-4 meter; 3. a busy, chattering piece in staccatissimo accent.”
Written by Alexa Woloshyn