Program Note

The idea of a “Dance” is explored from three different perspectives. The first dance is reminiscent of a Tango, filled with fiery rhythms and meter changes that drive the piece forward. Repetition is present - be it in the ostinato or the recurring motivic sections, which allows for familiarity and excitement when unexpected variations occur. The second dance has hints of a slow dance or lament in 7/8, and it conveys a more human-like element through breathing. These breath marks mostly coincide with the crescendos or decrescendos of the music, making it rather intuitive from an emotional and musical standpoint. "Visual" effects are present, such as the breathing being mixed with performers "bowing" the wooden body of the instrument. The third dance is an all-pizzicato movement, with hints of a scherzando-like ‘joking’ feeling, as single accented notes are bounced from one instrument to the next. As the movement goes on, more and more extended techniques are utilized, such as tapping the body of the instrument with knuckles or finger pads, string slapping, sul ponticello tremolos, snap pizzicato, and a foot stomp. All these merge to form ever-changing foreground lines that add an extra vibrant dimension to the piece.