Arabian Dances (Balmages)

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2009
Duration: c. 6:25
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Co.
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $85.00   |   Score Only (print) - $11.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto 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 I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bongos (2)
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Darbukas (2: smaller and larger)
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Frame Drum
  • Marimba (5.0 octaves)
  • Shaker
  • Shekere (optional Cabasa)
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Tam-tam (large)
  • Tom-tom (low)
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Explore Middle Eastern sounds with this work that combines authentic traditional melodies and rhythms with original music. After a haunting opening, authentic Middle Eastern percussion instruments create the groove that accompanies the folk song Ala Dal'ona. As the orchestration builds, original themes are intertwined before the percussion ensemble becomes the focus of the third section. The final melody, Tafta Hindi, develops until it morphs into an ostinato over a magnificent presentation of the original theme that is found throughout the work.

- Program Note from publisher


Commissioned by the South Carolina Band Directors Association for the All-State Clinic Band.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Minnesota: II
  • Oregon: IV-A
  • South Carolina: IV
  • Tennessee: IV
  • Texas: III. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Symphony Orchestra (James Gross, conductor) - July 31, 2023
  • Jacksonville (Fla.) University Wind Ensemble (Christopher C. Criswell, conductor) - 19 February 2023
  • South Carolina Governor's School of the Arts (Greenville) Wind Ensemble (Leslie W. Hicken, conductor) - 12 December 2022
  • University of Vermont (Burlington) Concert Band (D. Thomas Toner, conductor) - 11 November 2022
  • Tri-State Wind Symphony (Dubuque, Iowa) (Nolan Hauta, conductor) 14 July 2022
  • Salem (Mass.) State University University Band (Mary-Jo Grenfell, conductor) - 26 April 2022
  • University of Texas at Arlington Symphonic Band (Christopher Evans, conductor) - 12 October 2021
  • Sacramento (Calif.) State University Concert Band (Matthew Morse, conductor) – 25 November 2019
  • East Tennessee State University (Johnson City) Concert Band (Joe D. Moore, conductor) – 17 October 2019
  • Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR) Symphony Band (Shaun R. Popp, conductor) – 1 May 2019
  • West Virginia University (Morgantown) Concert Band (Matthew J. McCurry, conductor) – 9 April 2019
  • Grand Street (New York) Community Band (Brian Worsdale, conductor) – 23 March 2019
  • Henry Middle School (Cedar Park, TX) Honors Band (Robert Herrings, conductor) – 7 June 2018
  • Union High School (La Porte City, Iowa) Concert Band (Mike Bistline, conductor) – 1 May 2018
  • PEI Senior High Honours Band 2017 (Ardith Haley, Conductor) – 26 November 2017
  • Miami (Fla.) Arts Studio Wind Ensemble – 26 October 2017
  • West Lothian (U.K.) Schools Wind Ensemble (Camille Mason, conductor) – 6 December 2015


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Balmages, B. (2009). Arabian Dances [score]. FJH Music: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Brian Balmages website Accessed 15 September 2020
  • Nicholas, Christopher, J. "Arabian Dances." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 10, Compiled and edited by Richard Miles, 369-375. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2015.
  • Perusal score