Dance Suite (ensemble)

Instrumentation: fl(= picc). ob. cl. bcl. bsn(=cbsn). - 2 hn. tpt. tbn. - 2 prc. - pno. - hp.- (2.1.1.1.)

Percussion:

1.)Almglocken (tuned cow bells: B3 – E4*), Bass drum, 2 Opera gongs, Ratchet, Un-tuned cow bell, Tam-tam, Whip, Flexatone,Suspended cymbal, Vibraphone, Bongos, Glockenspiel, Xylophone (shared with Perc. 2).

2.) nDrum kit (Snare drum, Anvil/metal bar, Ride cymbal, Hi-hat, 2 Splash cymbals, Sizzle cymbal, Kick drum, Cow bell, Bongos, 2 Tom-toms,Floor tom), Xylophone (shared with Perc. 1), Whip (optional).

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PROGRAMME NOTE

Dance Suite is a Kaleidoscopic work that pays homage to various American dance styles (big band, swing, merengue, jazzwaltz, bebop, bluegrass, funk etc.) moving rapidly from one ‘dance sequence’ to the next with cartoon like fervour. Thereare no slow moments; instead, the music shifts relentlessly through various dances that change direction abruptly,charging headlong to a brusque climax.

It’s also a study in orchestration and colour and an early foray into some of the rhythms that have become ever present inmy music.

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