"Sorcerer's Dance" Full Arrangement in C-minor (Solo Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Harp, Glockenspiel)

The sorcerer steps to the stage,
The audience in bated silence.
With a snap of the arms,
A wave of motion,
An ethereal medley of dance
And luminous magics commence.
The audience is now captive
In the magus's spell.

~~"‘Sorcerer's Dance’ Introductory Poem" by John Crawford~~

Overview of the Piece

1. The solo viola, embodying the sorcerer, opens with a solo cadenza "incantation" showcasing the musician's skill.

2. The harp and glockenspiel join the viola in a weaving rhythmic lines, symbolizing the awakening of magical elements answering the magus's call.

3. The violins then take over the melody, supported by a pizzicato rhythm from other strings, while the soloist engages in response and harmony.

4. The harp and glockenspiel return to the forefront for a quiet, suspenseful interlude while the ensemble builds energy with a round.

5. The solo viola returns with a new theme, signifying new enchantments by the sorcerer.

6. The piece reaches a climactic pause, and then dives into a lush whirlwind of rhythms, melody, counterpoints, and dynamic note runs. The sorcerer has reached the pinnacle of their exhibition of magical splendor.

7. In a sudden and dramatic twist, the final verse is cut short with an explosion of tremolo chaos as the sorcerer guides a distraught ensemble through a controlled descent into a calm silence.

8. The piece closes with a delightful flourish.

Note: The piece was originally named “Dance of the Magus” (singular for "magi"). It was renamed because the term “Magus” was too unusual.

Performances

Blacksburg Community Strings in their Spring 2018 Concert feat. Katie Heltzel