soldiers' procession
& sword dance
Bob Margolis (after Susato) - Grade 2
About the music
Soldiers' Procession & Sword Dance is a colorful arrangement of lively and spirited Renaissance dances. There is no watering down of the music. And this is important, for young musicians should play real music, not simplified versions of the classics. Fortunately, Susato's 16-century arrangements upon which this edition is based were themselves made for amateur musicians, and the restricted instrumental ranges of the 16th-century work very well for first-year band students. Every note that Susato wrote is retained, so all of the melody and harmony is original 16th century. However, in transporting this work 440 years forward the music is arranged wide-screen, with a new military context that makes all the difference. This work is worthwhile, being simple enough for first-year bands, good enough for college bands.
Tempo & style
1. QN=100
2. QN=114
2. QN=114
Ranges
Flute
|
Clarinet 1
|
Clarinet 2
|
Trumpet
|
Trombone
|
instrumentation
WOODWIND
Flute Oboe (opt.) Bassoon Clarinet 1-2 Alto Clarinet (opt.) Bass Clarinet Alto Sax 1-2 Tenor Sax Baritone Sax |
BRASS
Trumpet 1-2 French Horn Trombone Euphonium Tuba |
PERCUSSION
Bells Tom-tom (large) Tom-tom (medium) Crash Cymbals Triangle High drums (2) Bass Drum Woodblocks (2) |
teaching concept categories
teaching considerations
The two movements of this piece, while not very contrasted from each other, provides a great opportunity for students to learn about Renaissance music. And this piece, as indicated by Mr. Margolis in the notes, is true to the original 16th-century music. The piece invites instruction on ensemble balance in its homophony, phrasing in varied lengths (two, three, and four bars), echoing between the brass and woodwinds, as well as the separated eighth-note style.