Soldiers' Procession & Sword Dance
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band - Grade 1

SKU: MH.0-931329-33-7

Composed by Bob Margolis (after Tielman Susato). Suitable for elementary and middle school bands. Conductor score and set of parts. Duration 2:00. Published by Manhattan Beach Music (MH.0-931329-33-7).

ISBN 9780931329333.

When creating music, in a flash or moment or thought, there is all the difference made between ordinary and special. This flash is the instant during which ones' artistic concept begins and all that flows from it is limited by it. Skill helps, but concept rules. Which is why I hope the Soldiers' Procession & Sword Dance works. Unusual concept, reasoned application, and you can dance to it. Arranging and adapting are particular arts, since one must take someone else's music and make it one's own. The present two dances are adaptations in concept (though literal and faithful in all parts) of two dances, Les quatres Bransles and Ronde: Il estoit une filette from Tielman Susato's Danserye of 1551. The latter dance is itself Susato's setting of a chanson of Clement Janequin. In transporting this work 441 years forward, I have kept intact the Renaissance style, and placed it into wide-screen format, with new military context. It is not only suitable for concert band but particularly worthwhile, being simple enough for first year bands, and good enough for college bands. Ensemble instrumentation: 12 Flute, 2 Oboe (opt.), 2 Bassoon, 6 Bb Clarinet 1, 6 Bb Clarinet 2, 2 Eb Alto Clarinet (opt.), 3 Bb Bass Clarinet, 4 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 4 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 6 Bb Trumpet I, 6 Bb Trumpet II, 4 F Horn, 12 Trombone & Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium T.C., 6 Tuba, 2 Percussion 1, 2 Percussion 2, 2 Percussion 3.