Philip Parker is a composer and percussion teacher at Arkansas Tech University. The Five Bagatelles were written in 1983 and the movements are Intrada, Nocturne, Waltz, Song and Reel. Each movement has a very different feel from the others and have a quirkiness and dance-like appeal.
Intrada is lively with punchy articulations to properly introduce the other music to come. Nocturne is much more subdued and makes for a beautiful lyrical contrast to the first movement. The Waltz is not something you would want to try and dance to, with dramatic changes in tempo this movement will keep you on your toes. The fourth movement Song is a quiet interlude with vibraphone incorporated and makes for a ethereal and dream-like sound quality. Finally the Reel ends this piece with a lively and friendly note. Incorporated in this movement is a 7/8 time signature section as well as material quoted from the folk-song the Arkansas Traveller, although I always knew it as “Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee”.
