Carol Brittin Chambers’s composition, Byzantine Dances, offers a vibrant and engaging piece for wind bands, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Turkish dance traditions. Designed for a range of ensembles, this work effectively blends energetic rhythms with evocative melodies, making it a compelling study in musical culture and performance.
Unpacking Byzantine Dances: Inspiration and Musical Style
At its heart, Byzantine Dances is a musical journey through Turkish dance forms. The piece opens with a dynamic and rapid section reminiscent of a Roma Gypsy dance. This movement is characterized by its lively tempo and spirited nature, featuring grace notes in the melody that add a playful complexity for musicians. Harmonically, the piece is equally engaging, with countermelodies and syncopated bass lines contributing to its rhythmic drive and infectious energy.
Transitioning from this vivacious opening, the music shifts into a slower, more deliberate tempo, evoking the Zeybek dance. Traditionally performed by a solo dancer, the Zeybek is a powerful expression of courage and heroism. Chambers captures this essence by incorporating graceful, expansive melodic lines that mirror the dancer’s outstretched arms, likened to the majestic wings of a hawk. This contrast between the fast and slow movements provides a compelling dynamic arc to the composition, showcasing different facets of Turkish dance.
To authentically capture the Turkish flavor, Chambers skillfully integrates unique musical elements. The melodic content is heavily influenced by the Byzantine scale and the harmonic major scale. These scales lend an exotic and distinctive sound to the piece, immediately transporting listeners to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Furthermore, the inclusion of Turkish zills, or finger cymbals, adds an authentic percussive texture, directly referencing their use in traditional dances of the area and enriching the overall sonic landscape.
Instrumentation and Accessibility
Byzantine Dances is scored for a full wind band instrumentation, making it accessible to a wide array of ensembles. The instrumentation includes parts for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinets (Soprano and Bass), Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, and Baritone), Trumpets, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, and a comprehensive Percussion section. The percussion requirements are extensive, calling for Bass Drum, Bells, Castanet, Finger Cymbals, Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Tam-tam, and Tom-Toms, allowing for a rich and layered rhythmic texture.
Graded as Difficulty Level II, Byzantine Dances is particularly well-suited for middle school and high school bands. This rating indicates that the piece is challenging yet attainable for developing musicians, providing educational value in exploring different musical styles and techniques without being overly technically demanding.
Historical and Cultural Context
The title Byzantine Dances itself offers a glimpse into the historical context of the music. The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, flourished from around 400 to 1453 A.D., encompassing much of modern-day Turkey. Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, marking a significant historical shift. The Ottoman Empire then dissolved after World War I, leading to the formation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
By referencing the Byzantine Empire, Chambers connects the musical traditions of Turkey to a long and layered history. This historical backdrop adds depth to the piece, suggesting a fusion of ancient influences with more contemporary Turkish musical expressions.
Performance and Audience Reception
Since its publication, Byzantine Dances has garnered considerable attention and has been performed by numerous ensembles across the United States. Notable performances include:
- Artie Henry Middle School Honors Band (Cedar Park, Tx.)
- Westwood High School Wind Ensemble (Austin, Tx.)
- University of Louisville Community Band (Ky.)
- Rocky River High School Concert Band (Ohio)
- Keller Middle School Band (Tx.)
- Mukwonago High School Concert Band (Wisc.)
- Ronald Reagan High School Wind Ensemble (San Antonio, Tex.) – Premiere Performance
This extensive performance history underscores the piece’s appeal to both educators and musicians. Its engaging rhythms, cultural richness, and pedagogical value make Byzantine Dances a popular choice for concerts and educational programs alike.
Sheet music cover for Byzantine Dances, showcasing the title and composer Carol Brittin Chambers.
In conclusion, Carol Brittin Chambers’s Byzantine Dances is a captivating and educational piece for wind bands. It successfully marries energetic dance rhythms with historical and cultural allusions, offering a rewarding experience for performers and audiences alike. For those interested in exploring culturally diverse repertoire that is both engaging and accessible, Byzantine Dances stands out as an excellent choice. Sheet music for Byzantine Dances is available through Excelcia Music, published by Aspenwood Music, making it readily accessible for ensembles looking to add this dynamic work to their repertoire.
