Wil Offermans

Jungle Dance

Wil Offermans, with his talent and imagination for the unusual and experimental approach, composed the Jungle Dance presented here. It is based on the assumption that all tube-like objects with a single opening can be blown like a flute. Instruments needed are: 1 solo flute (which can also be played by 2 flutes), 2 bass flutes which can be replaced by C-flutes or alto-flutes (bass flute 2 is a simplified version of bass flute 1 and can thus be taken over by less advanced players), 1 bottle high and 1 bottle low, 1 bass bottle and a bird whistle which can produce three different pitches. Furthermore, hissing sounds are needed meant to imitate a snake. At some occasions, the flutists are asked to blow and sing at the same time. The ostinato-like sound pattern produced by the instruments used creates an atmosphere which is so dense it actually resembles the dark and moist reality of the jungle. The edition of this strange piece consists of a score and individual parts some of which were printed on sheets which have to be cut apart by the user. This is a striking and effective piece for special occasions. Though it is not too difficult, it requires sureness of rhythm. Jungle Dance can be performed either by a minimum of 12 players or by any larger ensemble of 50 or more players.