COMPOSER’S NOTE


“Dance Pieces 3 & 4”

Duration: ca. 9'50"
(5'20" and 4'30")

The decision to write a sequel to my “Dance Pieces 1 & 2” presented a challenge, in that I wanted them to reflect the earlier reference to strong dance rhythm but capturing, I hope a newer set of harmonic and dynamic references.

It almost goes against the grain having to put the preference to melody on the side-lines. The eternal problem of when to use and when not to use tremolo emerged, making as it does a more difficult sustaining of the rhythmic flow.

In both pieces the metronome markings should be taken as a suggestion only. The inclusion of a percussion line, although more colourful, is not obligatory (if no percussion is used Dance piece #4 can begin at bar 161).

Both pieces require a positive and sustained attack throughout. They do not have any ethnic rhythmic origins, but are simply a celebration of the most basic element in the musical language.



Robert Schulz
March 2009.