Bagatelle means a simple event. It also means a short, light piece of music. Beethoven used this form for piano. I usually base my compositions on a story or a motif, but not this time. The original was scored as an octet for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, and Contra Bass. However, wishing it to be more accessible I adapted it to flexible instrumentation. The first movement is in 6/8 time and has a beautiful melody with harmony developing into various colors. The second movement is in 2/4 time with brisk feel. The harmony has a humorous atmosphere created by half step movements. Please enjoy these two contrasting styles.

(Tomohito Matsushita)