From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star

Allan Gordon Bell

General Info

Year: 1983
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Canadian Music Centre
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - C$125.98; (digital) - C$94.99 | Score Only (print) - C$41.99; (digital) - C$31.99

For additional availability information, see Discussion tab, above.

Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III-IV
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion, including:

Chimes
Marimba
Suspended Cymbal
Tam-Tam
Tom-Tom
Triangle
Vibraphone
Xylophone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star was created in response to the week Allan Bell spent as a “composer in the schools” working with the students on the notions surrounding creativity in music. During the course of their explorations the students created an evocative piece which they called From Chaos to Tranquility. The title reminded the composer of an epigram from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In describing the creative process he wrote, "It is only through chaos that there can be the birth of a dancing star." Hence, from Nietzsche and the students comes the title of this piece. The work follows the program of the title, from the violence of the opening, through the introduction of a short melodic motive and its development as a melody with orchestral variations, to its serene conclusion.

- Program Note from Kansas State University Symphony Band concert program, 13 March 2007

Media

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State Ratings

MusicFest Canada: B400

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble (Mark Hopkins, conductor) - 30 October 2022
Bishop Carroll High School (Calgary, Alta.) Touring Band - 22 February 2020
T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville, Ont.) Wind Ensemble - 2016
Kansas State University (Manhattan) Symphony Band - 13 March 2007

Works for Winds by This Composer

The Ascendant Voice (1988)
From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star (1983)
In the Eye of Four Winds (1986)

Resources

Bell, A. (1983). From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star [score]. [Canadian Music Centre: Toronto, Ont.]
Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "Allan Gordon Bell." Accessed 26 August 2017