Mark Edwards Wilson

Orchestra 2(2+picc)222 + 4230 - timp, 3 perc - strings

Composer's Note:

Dances for Orchestra is a five-movement work that celebrates dance rhythms and the emotional states that such rhythms can evince.

I. The Last Waltz. The opening movement is a lively waltz with many rhythmic contrasts. It dances, but dances darkly. Toward the end it accelerates  and then collapses in a frenzy. After a mournful violin solo, it picks itself up and quietly exits.

2. Tango: Kurwenal Steps Out (Poor Kurwenal, Tristan’s faithful friend, he deserves a night out on the town). The piece makes subtle, ironic reference to Wagner’s Prelude to Tristan and Isolde, but in the context of a full-blooded tango.

3. Musette Exotique: Hurdy Gurdy. A quirky, naïve melody in an exotic mode (a Lydian and Mixolydian mix) is accompanied by simple drones and occasionally it accompanies itself canonically.

4. Saraband. A heartbreaking lament.

5. Tresillo. A energetic finale inspired by a 3+3+2 rhythm.