"Sorcerer's Dance" in D-minor (Solo B♭ Clarinet, Piano)

The composer--John Crawford--provides this evocative poem, setting the stage for the mesmerizing journey that unfolds with "Dance of the Magus":

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 and expressiveness while also having opportunities to enjoy the concert hall's acoustics.

2. The harp and glockenspiel then enter to weave a rhythmic and tonal foundation that symbolizes the awakening of magical elements answering the magus's call. The soloist--now playing with the magical elements the sorcerer has summoned--joins the harp and glockenspiel for a trio that constitutes the first verse.

3. The violins then take over the melody, supported by a pizzicato rhythm from other strings, while the soloist engages in response and harmony. This second verse represents the growing complexity and dominance of the magical elements, captivating the audience's imagination.

4. A quiet interlude follows. The harp and glockenspiel return to the forefront to create a suspenseful atmosphere of darkness and subtle magic while the ensemble joins in a round that builds up to a powerful chorus.

5. The solo viola returns with a new melody for the chorus, signifying new enchantments by the sorcerer to build to the second half of the piece.

6. The piece reaches a climactic pause, and then dives into a final, vibrant verse where the ensemble plays a whirlwind of mystical rhythms, melody, counterpoints, and dynamic note runs. The venue becomes a spectacle of magical dance and light as the audience listens, entranced.

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

8. The audience waits in silence before the soloist cues a playful 5-note flourish that finishes the piece--a fleeting glimpse of the magical world they just experienced.

It was originally written for solo viola accompanied by string ensemble, harp, and glockenspiel, but a piano-accompanied version is also available. There's even a version for B♭ Clarinet that was commissioned after the piece's release!

"Sorcerer’s Dance" is a musical journey through an enchanted world, a dance with the mystical, and a testament to the visual power of music. Perfect for both classical aficionados and lovers of theatrical storytelling, this piece will prove an invaluable asset to your library, servicing everything from simple solo recitals to all-out stage productions!

Performances

There are no recorded performances of this arrangement available yet, but we’d love to have one! If you perform this piece, send us a link to the recording so we can share it!