Keveli Music Chamber Publication

Balkan Dances

for

Brass Quintet

by

Kevin M. Walczyk

Duration: 10'15"
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Balkan Dances was commissioned by the Atlantic Brass Quintet and utilizes the asymmetrical rhythmic traits of specific folk dances from the Balkan Peninsula, particularly those from Bulgaria. The single-movement work is comprised of four contrasting sections.

The first section is based on the rhythmic attributes of two folk songs originating from Western Bulgaria: Dilmano, dilbero (“Dilmana, the beautiful girl”) and the Kopanitsa folk dance. Dilmano, dilbero is noted for its distinctive asymmetrical rhythms of 8/8 and 11/8 meters, resulting in an energetic, fast-paced song commonly performed at weddings. The Kopanitsa is also a lively asymmetrical line dance in 11/8 and referred to as the “little digging” dance.

The rustic line dance, Pravo horo, is featured in the second section of the work. It is characterized by an alternating pattern of duple and triple beat sub-divisions within a constant symmetrical meter. The Pravo horo, performed at weddings, feasts, and celebrations, is considered the national dance of Bulgaria and is common throughout the Balkan Peninsula with slight variations.

The slow, lyrical third section obtains its phrase structures by combining two different Balkan folk dances: the Lesnoto horo, a slow line dance in 7/8 meter, and the graceful Varnensko horo, which utilizes the asymmetrical meter of 11/8. The Lesnoto horo (“simple” or “light” dance), originating from Macedonia and Bulgaria, is regarded as the region’s most common dance form in both traditional and modern music. The Varnensko Horo originates from the Eastern Bulgarian city of Varna, which is situated on the Black Sea.

The final section of Balkan Dances reprises portions of Dilmano, dilbero and the Kopanistsa but at a slightly slower tempo. As fragments of these two sources alternate, the tempo gradually quickens, culminating in one final energetic statement of the Dilmano, dilbero rhythmic motive.

ABQ members

Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest and most versatile brass chamber ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has performed in 48 of the United States and dozens of countries across four continents. Atlantic specializes in masterful and vibrant presentations of repertoire spanning five centuries and a broad spectrum of styles, from Bach and Brahms to Mehldau and Monk to Brazil and the Balkans. Winner of six international chamber music competitions, the Quintet’s distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning virtuosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics.

Founded in 1985, the Atlantic Brass Quintet launched its career with a phenomenal string of competition victories over a period of two years. Grand prizes include the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, Carmel Chamber Music Society Competition, the Shoreline Alliance Chamber Music Competition, the Summit Brass First International Brass Ensemble Competition, and the Rafael Mendez International Brass Quintet Competition. Following these remarkable achievements, the ABQ was honored by Musical America by being named “Young Artists of 1988”. In May 1992, by unanimous decision, the Quintet won the “Premiere Prix” at the International Brass Competition of Narbonne, France, recognized worldwide as the preeminent competition of its kind.

Founded in 1985, the Atlantic Brass Quintet launched its career with a phenomenal string of competition victories over a period of two years. Grand prizes include the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, Carmel Chamber Music Society Competition, the Shoreline Alliance Chamber Music Competition, the Summit Brass First International Brass Ensemble Competition, and the Rafael Mendez International Brass Quintet Competition. Following these remarkable achievements, the ABQ was honored by Musical America by being named “Young Artists of 1988”. In May 1992, by unanimous decision, the Quintet won the “Premiere Prix” at the International Brass Competition of Narbonne, France, recognized worldwide as the preeminent competition of its kind.

Highlights in the Quintet’s busy concert career include performances at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Fleet Boston Celebrity Series, Tanglewood, and the White House.

ABQ has been the resident brass quintet of Boston University, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and the Boston Conservatory. The Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar, an annual residential immersive summer program established in 1993, endures as one of the most popular summer destinations for both student and professional brass players.

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BRASS QUINTET INSTRUMENTATION

Balkan Dances is a professional-grade work that incorporates multiple asymmetrical meters and improvisation in both trumpet parts and trombone.


trumpet 1doubling flugel horn – improvisation required
trumpet 2doubling flugel horn – improvisation required
horn
trombone – improvisation required
tuba