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(1950)
Robert Russell Bennett, composer
Robert Russell Bennett composed the Suite of Old American Dances
in 1950. This suite is an original composition for band in which the
composer seeks to set the mood of a Saturday night barn dance with all the
gaiety which festivity demands, recalling several of the characteristic
dances remembered from childhood. The goal achieved is a genuine piece of
musicnot a novelty as one might expect from such a setting. Bennett
has described the music as "native American dance forms ... treated in
a 'riot' of instrumental colors," and the composition is distinguished by
superb effectiveness of instrumental writing and facile flow of musical
ideas. The dances include: Cake Walk, Schottische, Western One-Step,
Wallflower Waltz, and Rag.
Acton Osterling, Jr., University of Louisville
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