Symphonic Dance #1 (Band Gr. 4)

The "Symphonic Dances" were written in 1896-98 during Grieg’s mature period. They deserve a more prominent place in the standard repertoire; in them Grieg makes excellent use of dance rhythms, folk tunes, expressive lyricism and a fine ear for effective orchestration. Symphonic Dance #1 is a Grade 4, well-suited to the mature high school or collegiate band.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 4 | Duration: 7:00

Instrumentation
Piccolo (1)
Flute 1/2 (4)
Oboe 1/2 (2)
Bassoon 1/2 (2)
B-flat Clarinet 1, 2 & 3 (3 each)
B-flat Bass Clarinet (2)
E-flat Contra-Alto Clarinet (1)
B-flat Soprano Saxophone (1)
E-flat Alto Saxophone 1/2 (2)
B-flat Tenor Saxophone (1)
E-flat Baritone Saxophone (1)

B-flat Trumpet 1/2 (4)
B-flat Trumpet 3 (2)
F Horn 1/2 (2)
F Horn 3/4 (2)
Trombone 1/2 (2)
Bass Trombone (1)
Euphonium (2)
T.C. Baritone (1)
Tuba (3)
Bass Fiddle (1)

Percussion (8 players*):
Timpani
Orchestra Bells
Vibraphone
Chimes & Marimba 1 (low end)
Xylophone & Suspended Cymbal
Marimba 1 (high end; shared with chimes)
Marimba 2 (high end)
Marimba 3 (low end)

*Not all bands will have the performers or equipment (2 marimbas - 4.3 & 5-octave) to realize all of the percussion parts; however, a satisfactory performance can be achieved with less than the forces provided for.

5 players: Cover the timpani, vibraphone, chimes, marimba 1 (high) and bells parts.
6 players: Add xylophone.
7 players: Add marimba 2 (high end).
8 players: Add marimba 2 (low end).

Program Notes
The immense popularity of Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suites and the Piano Concerto have overshadowed some of his other fine accomplishments for orchestra. The Symphonic Dances were written in 1896-98 during Grieg’s mature period. They deserve a more prominent place in the standard repertoire; in them Grieg makes excellent use of dance rhythms, folk tunes, expressive lyricism and a fine ear for effective orchestration.

Symphonic Dance #1 is a Grade 4, well-suited to the mature high school or collegiate band. Duration 7′.