Jamaican Dance No. 2
Oswald RussellPiece Duration: 2:50
About this Piece
Program Note: "Oswald Russell (1933-2012) was a Jamaican composer who wrote a number of important pieces of music during the 20th and 21st centuries. His Jamaican Dances were composed in 1970, and is comprised of three short vignettes for solo piano.
The slower second dance is set in a Romantic style, however Russell uses harmony here to create an edge on his unique perspective. The soaring melody sits neatly on top of the fluctuating bass line, making this movement a real scene-stealer. Russell’s accessible style is heard throughout this movement, with the gentle harmony accentuating this sensitive melody." - Alex Burns
Oblique Motion, Interval: Throughout most of this piece, a B natural is heard in various octaves, with other musical material moving around it! Listen to how the octave B's create a gentle ending to the dance. Find and play several B's on the piano, and listen for them in this piece!
Notable Passages
Description:
Listen to the octaves (B5-B6) creating a continuous accompaniment in the upper register of the piano. This octave accompaniment continues to return throughout the dance.
Keywords: Interval - Harmonic , Interval - Melodic
Description:
Listen as the B5 continues as a syncopated accompaniment but is played by the right hand of the piano with the melody.
Keywords: Syncopation