Three Celtic Dances - Brian Balmages

Based on three different Scottish dance forms, “Three Celtic Dances” explores a wide variety of Celtic styles using both authentic dance tunes and original material. The first movement, Reel, is in cut time as is typical of all reels. It is based on the tune The Last Pint of Ale, a lively, spirited tune. In this case, the melody itself never changes - the movement is constantly developed with surrounding material.
The second movement, Air, is based on the tune Well May I Behold My Faithful Brown-Hair’d Maid, a slow lyrical tune in 4/4. It presents the melody in two contrasting settings - the first in a chamber music setting with solo saxophone before a brief transition to a full ensemble presentation in an emotional and powerful setting. The movement closes with a brief return to solo saxophone in a delicate texture.
The final movement, Jig, is a lively dance in 6/8 and is one of the most recognized Celtic dance forms. Loosely based on the tune Highlander’s Jig, the movement weaves in and out of the source material as it also explores original ideas.
-- Program notes in the score by Brian Balmages
The Oklahoma City Symphonic Band is under the direction of Dr. Mark G. Belcik.
Dances!
This concert presented February 21, 2023 at Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
King Cotton - John Philip Sousa
• King Cotton - John Phi...
Chorale and Shaker Dance - John P. Zdechlik
• Chorale and Shaker Dan...
Radetzky March - Johann Strauss, adapted/arranged Alfred Reed
• Radetzky March - Johan...
Armenian Dances (Part I) - Alfred Reed
• Armenian Dances (Part ...
Hands Across the Sea - John Philip Sousa
• Hands Across the Sea -...