Scaramouche, Op. 165b

Suite for two pianos in three movements, Op. 165b, composed 1937 and one of Milhaud's most widely performed works. Originally composed as incidental music for a production of Molière's Le Médecin volant at the Théâtre Scaramouche, the suite was arranged for two pianos in 1937 and quickly became a repertoire favourite in that medium. The three movements — Vif, Modéré, and Brazileira (Mouvement de Samba) — contrast in tempo and character: the first is brilliant and propulsive, the second lyrical and melancholic, and the third applies Milhaud's beloved Brazilian samba rhythm to a climactic and irresistibly festive finale. The Brazileira is among the most recognised pieces in the two-piano repertoire. Also arranged for saxophone and piano (Op. 165c), in which version it has become a cornerstone of the saxophone repertoire.