Rustic Dance

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Rustic Dance may be thought of as a scherzo from a classical symphony. The wide leaps of the main theme at m. 9 (B minor) hsould convey the heartiness of a peasant celebration, such as a harvest festival or a wedding. Bowing should be well into the strings, especially on the first beat of each measure. Give less weight to staccato notes. Though slightly more legato than the main theme, the countermelody at m. 30 should be played with equal vigor.The contrasting section at m. 53 (D major) can be somewhat more elegant in style. The figuration in the first violins should soar above the melody given to cellos and violas. At m. 83 emphasize the G/F# dissonance, which prepares the dominant seventh and the subsequent recapitulation of the B-minor theme.The coda at m. 100 should convey a feeling of wild abandon. At m. 104, the whirling eighth notes in the second violins and violas should accelerate as spinning dancers might do at the conclusion of their dance. Measure 108 to the end should be decisive, extremely well marked and very fast.Performance time at the given tempi is about two-and-a-half minutes.Thank you for choosing this composition. I hope you and your students find it instructive and enjoyable.- Joseph CompelloGlen Arm, Maryland, 2006 As the title implies, the piece has a rustic character in a minor key. The 3/4 time main theme has the character of a sherzo movement from a symphonic work. The piece alternates from the minor key and the relative major and completes with wild abandon during the driving coda. Perfect for contest/festival performance.