Description
Paolo Spagnoletti was an Italian-born violinist who for many years led the orchestra of the King's Theatre in London. La Dorset is a short piece attributed to him, but reliable information on when or why it was written is not available. Dorset is the name of a county in southern England, and also appears as a family name and title.
It is in D minor and 6/8 and lasts about 35 seconds. For so short a piece it has a lot of notes, 429, roughly twelve per second. Quick figures run over the light 6/8 pulse, giving it a dance-like character. The range runs from A1 up to B-flat 5; the lowest note falls just below a 61-key keyboard, though an octave shift brings it within one.
It is rated intermediate. Though brief, it is full of quick notes and asks for nimble, even fingerwork. Feel 6/8 as two broad beats and do not let the busy figures push the tempo forward. Put the whole piece in a single A-B loop, start at a reduced speed and raise it step by step - it can be brought up to standard efficiently in short sessions.
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About the Composer
Paolo Spagnoletti (1768-1834)
Paolo Spagnoletti (1768-1834) was an Italian-born violinist and composer who spent much of his career in London, leading orchestras there. He also composed dance pieces. This site includes two of his works, including 'La Dorset.'
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