Four dances

PROGRAM NOTE

Four Dances was originally written for String Quartet in 2014. The composition was commissioned in honor of Eileen Williams. It has since been arranged for several instrumental combinations including saxophone quartet and chamber orchestra. This arrangement is for full orchestra. 

The composer writes: “I have known Ms. Williams for many years. As she has an effervescent and outgoing personality, I thought that dances were a fitting means to express her essence in music.”

The first movement is a waltz that oscillates between a straight ¾ meter and a reflective theme. The2nd movement, Pavane, has hopeful and moments despite its hushed mood. The 3rd movement, “Chas Tanz,” is a reference to the 1st violin player of the string quartet who premiered the work in its original version, Charles Wetherbee (Mr. Wetherbee is known by a nickname of his first name, “Chas”). Ms. Williams is a big fan of his string quartet, Carpe Diem String Quartet, and this movement reflects the dynamic nature of their quartet that Ms. Williams enjoys. The 4th movement, “Furlana,” is a fast dance that falls in and out of the 6/8 meters that a furlana is typically found. It is a kinetic and propulsive movement that brings the work to an upbeat and confident close.