Gayenah Dance Suite No. 1 (Excerpts) (arr. Kenneth Snoeck)

Selected from the ballet “Gayaneh”, these three colorful examples of Aram Khachaturian’s writing for ballet are based on rhythms and melodic motives from different ethnic groups, ranging from the very Slavic Ukranian “Gopak” (Hopak) to the Armenian “Dance of the Maidens” and the Kurdish “Mountaineers’ Dance.” They vary in instrumental color and tension from festive and party-like, through sultry and romantic, to tense and almost angry. These may be performed in any combination — a single stand-alone dance movement, a contrasting pair, or all three in a complete set. A culturally rich and unique experience for players and audience alike. Dur: 7:45 (Grade 5)