Chant and Savage Dance

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


Subtitle: Processional for Band


General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c. 4:10
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company, Inc
Cost: Score and Parts - $55.00   |   Score - $8.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Cowbell
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Gong (or Tam-Tam)
  • Maracas
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-Toms (2)
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Contemporary harmonies and interesting colors are at the center of this innovative work. While well within the ability of young musicians, this piece has an uncharacteristically mature sound that will captivate your audience. After a mesmerizing lyrical opening, percussion begins the savage dance that grows more and more powerful as the piece progresses. Optional percussionists throughout the audience can enhance the entire experience as the dancers continue till utter exhaustion and collapse to the ground

Chant and Savage Dance was commissioned by the Woodland Regional High School Band, Beacon Falls, Connecticut, Patricia Cornett, Director.

- Program Note from publisher


The idea of this work came from Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. The composer writes,

I have always been fascinated with his music, especially after having performed several of his orchestral and chamber works, I want to incorporate the idea of a tribal ritual into the piece, but not in a generic sort of way, and certainly not in a formula slow-fast setting. The contemporary harmonies of the piece were all responses to the opening melody and helped dictate the overall concept of the work. Many have asked me why I chose to end softly – the music simply asked (actually it demanded) that it be that way. When the dancers collapse form exhaustion, the piece can't end yet – it needs to grieve for them, help them, carry them – only then can the music end by returning to the silence from which it came.

- Program Note from Beaumont Middle School Symphonic Band concert program, 14 December 2005

Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Balmages, B. (2005). Chant and Savage Dance: Processional for Band [score]. FJH Music Co.: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Brian Balmages website Accessed 15 September 2020