Dance of the Crows

SKU: CF.BPS148

ISBN 9781491163443. UPC: 680160922239.

Dance of the Crows was composed with the image of Renaissance-style dances in mind. In addition, some Danse Macabre concept started to form in my mind. I could see this melody as a part of some larger narrative in which a character attends a dance, and everything is beautiful and in sync. But when the character starts to look closer, things aren't what they seem. The dancers are actually animalistic hybrids, and the decorations are mockeries of life rather than celebrations of life. The food is inedible, and the shadows seem to have eyes. And that's why, though the melody is simple and largely on the beat, it elicits an uncomfortable and offbeat feeling.Performance Notes:The melody should have a calm almost restrained feeling until m. 17 when things should take a slightly more aggressive turn. Be sure to bring out the dynamics during the percussion break at m. 29 and the outro at m. 41. Feel free to use as many shaker-like instruments as desired in the Percussion 2 part. Use the largest possible tom-tom for the Percussion 3 part. Be sure to have the bass drum player mute all staccato notes with the hand.