Composer

:

Arthur Benjamin

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

11:44

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Arthur Benjamin's North American Square Dance for orchestra, Nos 1-8, is a lively and colorful work that captures the spirit of traditional American square dancing. The piece was composed in 1951 and premiered the same year in London, England. The work is divided into eight movements, each of which is based on a different square dance. The first movement, "The Grand Square," sets the tone for the entire piece with its energetic rhythms and playful melodies. The second movement, "The Promenade," features a more relaxed and romantic atmosphere, while the third movement, "The Allemande," is characterized by its intricate and syncopated rhythms. The fourth movement, "The Do-Si-Do," is a lively and playful dance that features a call-and-response between the different sections of the orchestra. The fifth movement, "The Swing," is a slow and romantic dance that showcases the lyrical qualities of the orchestra. The sixth movement, "The Ladies' Chain," is a fast and intricate dance that features a series of interlocking melodies and rhythms. The seventh movement, "The Circle," is a joyful and celebratory dance that features a lively and syncopated rhythm. The final movement, "The Promenade Home," brings the piece to a rousing conclusion with its energetic rhythms and playful melodies. Throughout the work, Benjamin employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, from the bright and brassy sounds of the trumpets and trombones to the soft and delicate tones of the strings and woodwinds. Overall, North American Square Dance for orchestra, Nos 1-8, is a lively and colorful work that captures the spirit of traditional American square dancing. Its playful melodies, intricate rhythms, and wide range of orchestral colors make it a joy to listen to and a true masterpiece of orchestral music.

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