Paul Creston - Prelude and Dance Op. 76

Lawrence University Wind Ensemble Robert Levy - Conductor - plays compositions of Paul Creston Courtesy of Golden Crest Records, LP transfer by Adam Michlin. For more information on Golden Crest Records please go to http://www.johnbroven.com. For more information on Adam Michlin please go to http://www.michlinmusic.com PRELUDE and DANCE, Op. 76 (1959) Commissioned by Kappa Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Sigma. First performance: August 22, 1959 at the National Intercollegiate Band Festival in Tallahassee, Florida, conducted by the composer. The Two-Part Form is the favorite of Creston; besides this work, he has written - with that title - two for Piano, and one each for: accordion and orchestra; and with titles: "Invocation and Dance", "Pastorale and Tarantella", "Janus" and "Symphony No. 2" - all four for orchestra. The Prelude of Op. 76 is a short (42 measure) section: slow, majestic and declamatory opening interrupted by a tender, lyric comment by the oboe, continued by the solo Alto Saxophone and gradually building to the original majestic declamation leading to the Dance. True to its title, the Dance emphasizes the rhythmic element throughout without sacrificing variety in the melodic and harmonic elements. The moods are varied: jovial, genial, tender and dramatic, without ever impeding the relentless drive to a triumphant conclusion. PRELUDE and DANCE is available for rental from Alfred Music: http://www.alfred.com/Rental/ProductD...