Philip Sparke

Aurora Dances

Aurora Dances' was commissioned by the Hong Kong-based Winter Band Festival, and consists of three movements, to be played without a break. 'Aurora Borealis' opens with florid woodwind figures and highlights different sections of the band in turn. The second movement 'Aurora Australis' leads to a sombre chorale, which builds to a full-band climax. The finale 'Aurora Dances' is characterised by rhythmic, dance-like themes. A central section features a contrasting 'legato' melody, but this doesn't dispel the energetic feel of the opening, which returns to close the work.