Tansman, Alexander
La danse de la sorciere (4:45) 1923 Publisher: Max Eschig (c1924)
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon and piano
This work is a fragment of the ballet “Le Jardin du Paradis” and there are two different versions of this piece as a sextet and a duet for two pianos. This short yet very graceful composition is written in two distinct parts that flow into each other. The allegro moderato tempo, which starts the piece, predominates until the un poco piu lento, that interrupts the lively rhythms and angular melodic material. That interruption does not last long and the piece ends in piu vivo tempo.
This composition is not technically difficult for the individual instruments or for the ensemble. The ensemble will have tuning challenges because of unisons between the higher winds, and doublings with piano. Flutists will encounter some wide jumps as well some high notes that will need careful tuning.
Grade: IV-V
Recordings: Polish Music for Winds and Piano, Gruppo di Tempera
Sheet music source: trevcomusic.com