Described by the composer as ‘a trip from the abstract to the ethnic’, Catalan-born Balada’s Fifth Symphony is a kaleidoscope of emotions. From its dark and tense opening movement, 9/11: In Memoriam, the work evolves by way of a melodious slow movement (based on a Negro spiritual) to a point of light and unrepentant optimism’ expressed in a brilliant square dance. Spanish elements embellish both the Prague Sinfonietta, which draws on the Catalan dance form, the sardana, and Quasi un Pasodoble, where hints of popular melodies mix with original ideas in an outpouring of colour and contrast. The three Divertimentos explore three different aspects of string technique as a means of generating new and exciting sonorities.