Dance Suite
COMPOSER: Wes Stephens
MEDIUM: Brass Quintet
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
DURATION: ca. 6:00
STATE LISTS: MO
PROGRAM NOTES:
Dance Suite is a hodgepodge of some of my favorite musical styles. The opening movement, Tango, is an homage to the music of Astor Piazzolla. The melody, first presented in the horn, seems to float above the driving, rhythmic accompaniment. However, as the dance progresses, the ensemble playfully steps on each other's toes, so to speak. The second movement, Slow Dance, started out as an exercise in counterpoint that evolved into a sort of "couple's dance." Various instruments are paired with each other, often at the unison, and build to an ending that is somewhat bittersweet. The final movement, Rag, pays tribute to the music of Scott Joplin. Syncopated rhythms and melodies tinged with the blues serve to highlight each member of the ensemble.
INSTRUMENTATION:
Trumpet in B-flat 1 (Harmon, Cup and Plunger mutes required)
Trumpet in B-flat 2 (Harmon and Cup mutes required)
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba