Program Notes from March 2025:

"Marche d'un petit diable" (March of a Tiny Devil) is the most recent composition on this program, completed fall of 2024. The initial idea came from a vivid and humorous image that popped into my head while working on what would later become the intro: the great doors of Hell creaking open in a terrifying display, only for a tiny baby devil to march through. This playful contradiction became the foundation of the piece, blending the incisive wit of Dmitri Shostakovich with the grand march structure of John Philip Sousa. Almost a classic Sousa march form (Intro – AA –BB – Trio – Break-strain – Trio – Break-strain – Trio), the piece also incorporates a twist, treating the second break-strain like a sonata development section, revisiting and transforming earlier material before leading into a triumphant (if not a little overly self grandiose) finale.

Listeners can imagine the little devil proudly strutting around, trying to command respect, only to get sidetracked, flustered, or even a bit tired. The music shifts between pompous, playful, and darkly humorous moments, capturing the character's mischievous nature. Keep an ear out for sudden shifts in energy– perhaps our tiny troublemaker is pausing for a much-needed nap before resuming his grand march.

Purchase this piece here!

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Performed December 2, 2025 at Williams Hall, New England Conservatory

Conducted by Sam Kerr
Alto Saxophone – Duan Hong
Trumpet – Kayla Adams
Violin – Mitsuru Yonezaki
Cello – Ania Custodio Folch
Bass – Luisa Brown-Hernandez
Xylophone – Patrick Sorah
Snare Drum/Woodblock/Triangle – Christian Bartholomew

Recording/Mixing Credits to the New England Conservatory Recording and Performance Technology Services Department