Dance Of The Hours (B.May)

Swing into action with Billy May's iconic big band arrangement of "Dance Of The Hours"! This vibrant jazz chart, arranged for full big band, delivers all the classic May flair: soaring brass, intricate sax lines, and a driving rhythm section perfect for igniting any stage. Your ensemble will love the energetic, sophisticated feel, making it an ideal showstopper for concerts, dances, or festivals. The arrangement captures a medium-fast swing tempo feel, characterized by May's signature 'slurpy' brass voicings and a harmonically rich, yet accessible, approach to a classical theme. Rhythmic patterns are engaging and propulsive, maintaining constant forward momentum. Originally a ballet sequence from Amilcare Ponchielli's opera *La Gioconda*, "Dance Of The Hours" found new life in the big band era, becoming a popular vehicle for jazz interpretation. Billy May's rendition stands out for its masterful orchestration, featuring clearly delineated ensemble passages that showcase each section. Expect dynamic contrasts ranging from powerful fortissimo brass shouts to smoothly articulated saxophone soli sections.