Skyler Hedblom – Marche d'un petit diable (Original Composition)

Program Notes:
"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.

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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