PRO AND CONTRA DANCES FOR BRASS QUINTET

The work, in three tableau, is based on models of brass music by composers of the 16th and 17th centuries. Although there are no direct quotations in the "pro" dances, the music is patterned closely after the styles of the six composers represented. Throughout the work the interpolated "contra" segments are short, less dance-like developments or "fantasies" in my own style, based on the dance movements which they either precede or follow. Physically demanding, the work requires advanced performers. The work was written with the support of a creative activities fellowship from Western Michigan University.