Composer

:

Arthur Benjamin

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

12:12

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

The North American Square Dance Suite for 2 pianos & orchestra is a composition by Arthur Benjamin, an Australian composer, pianist, and conductor. The suite was composed in 1951 and premiered on October 23, 1952, by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The suite consists of four movements, each inspired by a different type of square dance from North America. The first movement, "The Big Apple," is a lively and energetic dance in the style of the Big Apple, a popular dance from the 1930s. The second movement, "The Virginia Reel," is a more traditional dance, with a slower tempo and a more formal structure. The third movement, "The Arkansas Traveller," is a fast and lively dance, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and syncopation. The final movement, "The Oklahoma Mixer," is a playful and upbeat dance, with a catchy melody and a fun, improvisational feel. One of the most notable characteristics of the North American Square Dance Suite is its use of two pianos, which adds a unique texture and depth to the orchestration. The piano parts are often intricate and complex, with both pianos playing off each other in a call-and-response style. The orchestration is also notable for its use of percussion, with a variety of instruments, including snare drum, bass drum, and tambourine, adding to the rhythmic energy of the piece. Overall, the North American Square Dance Suite is a lively and engaging work, full of energy and excitement. Its use of traditional North American dance forms, combined with Benjamin's unique compositional style, make it a standout piece in the orchestral repertoire.

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