Composer

:

John Barnes Chance

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Band Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

7:29

'Incantation & Dance' is a band music composition by John Barnes Chance, an American composer born in Texas in 1932. The piece was composed in 1960 and premiered in the same year by the University of Michigan Symphony Band, conducted by William D. Revelli. The composition consists of two movements, the first being 'Incantation' and the second being 'Dance'. The first movement, 'Incantation', is a slow and mysterious piece that begins with a solo for the alto saxophone. The saxophone is then joined by the rest of the band, creating a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere. The movement builds in intensity, with the percussion section adding to the tension. The movement ends with a return to the solo saxophone, fading away into silence. The second movement, 'Dance', is a lively and energetic piece that contrasts with the first movement. The movement begins with a driving rhythm in the percussion section, with the rest of the band joining in with a catchy melody. The movement features several solos, including a trumpet solo and a percussion solo. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending with a final statement of the melody. 'Incantation & Dance' is a challenging piece for the band, requiring precision and control in the slow and delicate sections, as well as energy and enthusiasm in the fast and lively sections. The piece is known for its use of unusual time signatures and complex rhythms, as well as its use of extended techniques for the saxophone and percussion sections. Overall, 'Incantation & Dance' is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases John Barnes Chance's skill as a composer. Its premiere in 1960 marked the beginning of a new era in band music, with composers like Chance pushing the boundaries of what was possible for the genre.

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