Philip Sparke: Aurora Dances: Concert Band

Aurora Dances was commissioned by the Hong Kong-based Winter Band Festival, and consists of three movements, to be played without a break. ‘Aurora Borealis’ opens with florid woodwind figures and highlights different sections of the band in turn. The second movement ‘Aurora Australis’ leads to a sombre chorale, which builds to a full-band climax. The finale ‘Aurora Dances’ is characterised by rhythmic, dance-like themes. A central section features a contrasting legato melody, but this doesn’t dispel the energetic feel of the opening, which returns to close the work.

Recorded by the Kobe College Wind Orchestra and its conductor Satoshi Yagisawa