Canadian Music Centre From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star - Bell - Concert Band - Gr. 4

Composer: Allan Gordon Bell
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Grade: 4

From Chaos to the Birth of a Dancing Star was created in response to the week that I spent as a "Composer in the Schools" working with the students at Salisbury Composite High School on the notions surrounding creativity in music. During the course of our explorations the students created an evocative piece which they called "From Chaos to Tranquility." The piece had many strengths and intriguing musical gestures. As well, the title reminded me of an epigram from the philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche. In describing the creative process, he wrote that it is only through chaos that there can be the birth of a dancing star. Hence, from Nietzsche and the students comes the title of this piece.

The work follows the program of the title, from the violence of the opening, through the introduction of a short melodic motive and its development as a melody with orchestrational variations, to its serene conclusion.

-Allan Gordon Bell

Duration: 8:00