Yiddish Dances, written for Timothy Reynish's 60th birthday in 1998, is very much a party piece. It brings together two of my abiding passions: the Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Klezmer - the folk music of the Yiddish-speaking people.
The five movements are all based on set Klezmer dances:
Khosidl - a medium tempo 2/4 in which the music moves between satire, sentimentality and pathos.
Terkishe - an up-tempo Jewish tango.
Doina - a free recitative in which various instruments in the band get a chance to show off.
Hora - slow 3/8 time with a characteristic rocking rhythm.
Freylachs - very fast 2/4 time in which themes from the previous movements are recalled, ending in a riotous 'booze-up' for all concerned.
Le Chaim! (To Life!)
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