Composer: Jean Françaix (1912–1997)

Title: Seven Dances from Les Malheurs de Sophie

Duration: 10–12 minues

Instrumentation: 2 flute, 2 oboe, 2 clarinet, 2 horn, 2 bassoon

Notes: The original ballet, “ Les Malheurs de Sophie” (“The Misfortunes of Sophie”), was written in 1935 and premiered in 1948 at Paris Opera. The ballet is based on the French children’s story about a mischievous 3 year old, Sophie, and her cousin Paul, and their misadventures. The arrangement for this chamber version was done by the composer himself and premiered in 1970 by Blaser Ensemble Mainz. It is a charming collection of seven of the dances, which is to be played one after the other. Unlike Françaix’s other daunting chamber work, this one is very approachable (a la Gordon Jacob). It’s much easier to work with a conductor, but it’s plenty doable without one given enough rehearsal time. Though not technically adventurous, every part gets fair share of solos; everyone has be on their toes. The piece is well within the reach of good high school wind ensembles, but it takes more advanced players to bring out all the subtleties of Françaix’s witty writing.