Gothic Dances for Brass Quintet

Description

“Gothic Dances” for brass quintet was commissioned by the Internationale Fredener Musiktage in Germany, the same prestigious organization for which Turner’s brass quintet “Ricochet” was composed. Turner was asked to create a new work based on anything

related to dance.

As Neo-Gothic is a favorite style of the composer, the inspiration to once again use this genre as a foundation presented itself very quickly. Furthermore, to create an ideal atmosphere for composing in the Gothic style, Turner traveled to Barcelona and took up

lodgings in the famous Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). He then chose three settings for this composition:

• Estampie Gotica
• Sarabande for Forgotten Souls
• Gargantua and Pantagruel (Waltz)

The estampie is a typically instrumental, monophonic dance form from the late Middle Ages. This dance is usually lively and is often associated with troubadour culture. The term likely originates from Old Provençal, meaning “to stamp.” A sarabande is recognized for its slow and solemn character. Its measured and deliberate movements convey a sense of poise, gravity, and often melancholy or sadness. One of the

characteristics of the Gothic style is the presence of the supernatural or otherworldly. There is frequently a spectral character and a strong element of superstition. This sarabande is a tragic dance for the forgotten souls who roam among us.

Made famous through the Viennese waltzes, the waltz is a ballroom dance in 3/4 time with a strong accent on the first beat. Gargantua and Pantagruel is a series of five satirical novels by the 16th century French author François Rabelais. It chronicles the adventures of two giants — Gargantua

and his son Pantagruel — through bawdy, extravagant, and often scatological humor. The element of absurdity forms the predominant mood of this movement.