Saturnales

Saturnalia was a Roman festival originally celebrated on December 17th, later extended to three days (and more). During this time of unbridled fun and pleasure, gambling was allowed in public and normal social order was suspended: slaves might be treated to a banquet where the masters actually served the food!

So I imagined a colorful, orgiastic orchestral introduction featuring the many transformations of four distinct themes: first, a soaring theme entrusted to the string section, then an obsessive rhythmic motif evocative of a frenzied, ecstatic dance, followed by a forceful descending four-note motif and finally a joyful theme played by the clarinet.

Saturnalia is structured in four sections, like a little symphony with a scherzo and a slow middle movement. The boundless rhythmic energy of the opening increases until it reaches a wild climax. Then a cheeky clarinet introduces the lighter second section before the various instrumental groups start calling each other, creating the sonic environment of a festive city. The quieter, lyrical central section includes a thematic transformation of the four main motifs. In the middle of it, the initial theme, now slower and full of sensual overtones, returns in a passionate episode (with the indication ‘decadent’). A long transition follows, restating the fiery dance motif that will sweep everything in its path as the tempo gradually speeds up.

Berner Symphonieorchester