The title for Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut (Descent of the moon upon the temple which used to be) was suggested by the dedicatee, Laloy. Its illustrative effects are a perfect example of music that, by transcending the inherent technical prerequisites, a sovereign and creative interpretation can transform into a work of art.
La sérénade Interrompue (The Interrupted Serenade) is one of the more interesting pieces in Book I of Debussy's preludes, evoking both the flavors of Spain and the sounds of the guitar.
Mr. Underwood has beautifully arranged for trombone quartet.
"Minstrels" (Minstrels) The last of the préludes from Book I is a sardonic parody of the music heard in turn-of-the-century music halls. Crisp rhythms and "popular" harmonies punctuated by sharp dissonance anticipate elements in the music of Stravinsky and Poulenc. A GREAT arrangement by Michael Underwood!
