Firedance

Firedance is a dynamic and ferocious piece for percussion octet. Designed as both a musical and physical performance piece, Firedance challenges the performers to combine their instrumental performances with highly interlaced physical motions (such as clapping and stomping) that occur in conjunction with the instrumental parts. Through the use of asymmetric meters and contrapuntal polyrhythms, Firedance races forward with a strong, driving rhythm that pushes the piece toward a powerful conclusion.

Program Notes

Firedance is a dynamic and ferocious piece for percussion octet. Designed as both a musical and physical performance piece, Firedance challenges the performers to combine their instrumental performances with highly interlaced physical motions (such as clapping and stomping) that occur in conjunction with the instrumental parts. Through the use of asymmetric meters and contrapuntal polyrhythms, Firedance races forward with a strong, driving rhythm that pushes the piece toward a powerful conclusion.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2013
Number of Players: 8
Duration: 7:15
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Octet
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Percussion 1 (Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 2 (4 Roto-Toms, Tenor Drum)
Percussion 3 (4 Tom-Toms)
Percussion 4 (Brake Drum, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 5 (Snare Drum, Congas)
Percussion 6 (4 Roto-Toms, Brake Drum[or anvil], Timbales)
Percussion 7 (4 Tom-Toms)
Percussion 8 (Timpani, Hi-Hat)