Pagan Dances

From Wind Repertory Project
James Barnes

James Barnes


This work bears the designation Opus 70.


General Info

Year: 1987 / 1991
Duration: c. 13:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Southern Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $125.00   |   Score Only - $74.95


Movements

1. Ritual - 3:26
2. Mystics - 7:00
3. Master of the Sword - 3:40


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II (II optional doubling English Horn)
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bell Tree
  • Brake Drum
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong
  • Finger Cymbal
  • Ratchet
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-tom
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Wind Chime
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Pagan Dances completes the cycle of four “primitive” works for symphonic band. I began with Visions Macabre in 1978, followed by Invocation and Toccata in 1980, and Torch Dance in 1984. All of these works employ highly dissonant harmonic combinations, repetitive melodic material, and driving rhythm to showcase the symphonic band’s immense power and dramatic color combinations. This suite is intended to portray an imaginary scene from prehistoric times as if it were a scene from a ballet. It begins with the entrance of the worshipers performing a ritual dance before their idol god. Mystics, or high priests, appear, evoking incantations and performing feats of sorcery before the worshipers. Suddenly, the master of the sword enters, performing a savage dance that culminates with his execution of a sacrifice on the high altar with his broadsword.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: VI
  • Iowa: IV
  • Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP I
  • Kansas: VI
  • Maryland: VI
  • New York: Concert Band VI
  • Oklahoma: V-A
  • South Carolina: I
  • Virginia: IV


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Barnes, J. (1991). Pagan Dances: For Symphonic Band [score]. Southern Music Co.: San Antonio, Tex.