Burton Beerman

Orchestra 2(1+picc)222 - 433(3=btbn)1 - timp, 2 perc, pno - strings

Composer's Note:

Simple Dances for orchestra draws its vision from the multicultural makeup of our unique country, capturing the energy and vitality found in the rural celebrations of a young America. Nowhere is this more evident than in the music and dances of the diverse customs and traditions of each culture. Throughout the work the piece portrays to the listener a slice of American musical history with 6 short movements, intricately interweaving the rhythms and tunes originally composed in the styles of the distinct American folk societies and communities. Infused with the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all of these cultures, all folks seeking to find their share of the American dream; from the migration of the Virginia Reel by the English colonists; the vibrant Country Dance during the pioneer evenings of our ancestors of many diverse communities moving West and the Barn Dance, to the Merengue which takes us back to the mid 19th century Latin music of South America, moving on to the Rag to the African-American swing that gave birth to America's Jazz, and progressing to Funk in American pop music and jazz, incorporated within contemporary classical techniques.