Arabian Dances  

Brian Balmages
Grade 4

Explore Middle Eastern sounds with this work that combines traditional folk songs with original music. After a haunting opening, authentic Middle Eastern percussion instruments create the groove that accompanies the folk song Ala Dal’ona. As the orchestration builds, original themes are juxtaposed with existing material before an extended percussion ensemble takes center stage. The final folk song, Tafta Hindi, ultimately morphs into an ostinato over a magnificent presentation of the original theme found throughout the work. A dynamic work for symphony orchestra!

Audio Only: