Winter Dances (Carroll)

From Wind Repertory Project
Fergal Carroll

Fergal Carroll


This article is a stub. If you can help add information to it,
please join the WRP and visit the FAQ (left sidebar) for information.


General Info

Year: 2002
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Ludwig Masters
Cost: Score and Parts - $144.00   |   Score Only - $43.00


Movements

1. November - 2:16
2. December - 3:03
3. January - 3:09


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 I-II
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III

(percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A work to make new friends for wind music with its ravishing orchestration, rhythmical nuance and vibrant, lucid textures. Carroll’s keen ear for sonority, stylish elegance and quality of ideas are a breath of fresh air. December, lyrically reflective with gentle seasonal hints, is flanked by faster movements, tingling with buoyant excitement that never overplays its hand. This is a winter of sparkling enchantment, not hibernation.

- Program Note from publisher


Winter Dances was commissioned to mark the opening of The Pyramid, Warrington’s [Ireland] purpose-built arts venue. It was written to allow performance with dancers, and each of the three movements has its distinct character. The movements are called November, December, and January (as Ireland uses the Celtic calendar these are our winter months).

I. November begins with an unrelenting quaver pulse in the high woodwinds, punctuated by figures from the low instruments. These become more rhythmically complex as the movement continues. Short, tuneful fragments more fully scored, try unsuccessfully to interrupt until the movement dies away.

II. December features a soprano saxophone over a slowly repeating ground bass. Against this are fragments from Coventry Carol, an obvious reference to the occurrence of Christmas this month.

III. January -- the start of a new year -- is the quickest and liveliest movement. The main rhythmic motif, stated immediately before the first theme, is played by the horns and saxophones. This theme is taken up by the different sections of the band and, as it is developed, combines with other themes, some more rhythmically complex, in the build-up to a climactic conclusion.

- Program note by composer


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: V


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Carroll, F. (2002). Winter Dances: For Concert Band [score]. Maecenas Music: Kenley, U.K.