Bob Chilcott

Dances of Time

Dances of Time' is a diverse collection of five choral songs addressing different aspects of time. Texts ranging from biblical to twentieth century are set to Chilcott's attractive and characterful music, drawing on elements of dance forms in various styles.

The work opens with a rhythmic setting of Henry VIII's famous text 'Pastime with good company', before the contrastingly wistful and reflective 'Today'. The carpe diem sentiment of 'Gather ye rosebuds' is heightened through its setting as a lively jig, and in 'To every thing there is a season' a central section presents the paired images of the text from Ecclesiastes, enclosed by almost hymn-like outer segments.

The infectiously positive 'Life has loveliness' sums up the overall message of the collection: despite the passing of time, we can celebrate the present through music and singing.

Orchestration: 2fl(+picc), 2ob, 2cl, 2bsn, 2hn, 2tpt, timp, 2perc (tri, tamb, susp cym, glock), str