Hymns And Dances II

1 Full Score - 1 Piccolo - 4 Flute I - 4 Flute II - 2 Oboe - 1 Oboe II - 1 English Horn - 1 Bassoon I - 1 Bassoon II - 1 Clarinet Eb - 5 Clarinet I - 5 Clarinet II - 5 Clarinet III - 1 Bass Clarinet - 2 Alto Saxophone I - 2 Alto Saxophone II - 1 Tenor Saxophone I - 1 Tenor Saxophone II - 1 Baritone Saxophone - 3 Trumpet I - 3 Trumpet II - 3 Trumpet III - 2 Horn I + III Eb - 2 Horn I + III F - 2 Horn II + IV Eb - 2 Horn II + IV F - 2 Trombone I C - 1 Trombone I Bb (TC) - 1 Trombone I Bb (BC) - 2 Trombone II C - 1 Trombone II Bb (TC) - 1 Trombone II Bb (BC) - 2 Trombone II/III bv - 2 Trombone III C - 2 Trombone III + IV Bb (BC) - 2 Trombone IV C - 2 Baritone C - 2 Baritone Bb (BC) - 2 Baritone Bb (TC) - 2 Bas Bb (TC) - 2 Bas Bb (BC) - 2 Bas Eb (TC) - 2 Bas Eb (BC) - 4 Tuba C - 1 Stringbass - 1 Harp - 1 Percussion - 2 Percussion II - 1 Timpani

In 1990 Jochem Slothouwer composed Hymns and Cances II. This work for symphonic band and harp (ad libitum) is based on Hymns and Dances I for piano, mixed choir and percussion. The compostition is based on the contrast between hymnlike melodies and dance music episodes. The work, in five connected parts, seems to look for a reconciliation of both melodic and rythmical elements. The initial theme with the horns and the answer of the band form the base of the first part.The second part, charcterized by a vitorous dance rhythm, is dominated by the percussionn and syncopated motifs with the brass. A melody with the euphoniums almost imperceptibly slips into the ensemble and gradually gets to the foreground. The dance and the hymn reach a real climax interrupted by a short and dark intermezzo (part three). The clear sonority of part four, a fiery tarantella with many small byt virtuoso solos, is a new contras. The final adagio reuses the previously developed ideas of part one and ends in sheer ecstasy.