Symphonic Dances

Symphonic Dances for Wind Ensemble was commission by the Central Band of the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The suite's five movements present "dances of the world". While the energetic quality and spirituality of each dance should be captured, the collection is still intended to entertain. Each movement is complete and can be performed accordingly.

I. Renaissance Dances

An homage to European flavor and style from the time of Gervaise, Susato and Praetorius, after the introduction, the steps of courante, pavane, galliard, and branle appear. Please perform with vigor and contrast!

II. Tango

This section is more an earthy and piquant Argentine romance than an elegant continental tango. Perform the alto saxophone theme and solis for each section very passionately!

III. Hoedown

Here is the scene of the rodeo and a free-spirited western swing feel. The introductory clarinet solo can be done ad libitum. Maintain the mood by swinging slightly throughout. Present this movement playfully!

IV. Spirituals (Bon-Odori-Uta)

This is a requiem on the Bon-Okuri ceremony guiding ancestors back to the spiritual world. The initial piccolo motif repeats a chant in the rhythm of bon odori (a bon dance) and develops as a variation on Owara-bushi, a beautiful folk song from Toyama prefecture. The traditional bon odori have evolved into summer festival entertainment.

V. Belly Dance

The belly dance is typically Arabic, its music performed by strings and drums.
All should play with passion and flamboyance and a sense of bacchanalia and abandon. Employ a heavy sense of rhythm, also with a "Darbuka" (traditional Turkish goblet drum) if possible. Additionally, a "big-bang" coda is not only allowed, but encouraged!

(Yosuke Fukuda)