Kentish Dances was commissioned by the Bromley Youth Music Trust for the Bromley Youth Concert Band - Michael Purton, conductor. Bromley is in Kent, the most southeasterly of all the English counties. Kent has a rich folk history and, like many parts of the country, its own home-grown dance tunes. What has become known in England as “country dancing” became popular during the Elizabethan period amongst the middle and upper classes, who preferred the style to the more formal galliards and pavans of the royal court. This suite is based on three dance tunes that originated in Kent; the first is a sort of moto perpetuo based on two lively 6/8 tunes, “Dover Castle” and “The Fair Maid of Wickham.” The middle movement uses the rather sombre “Blackheath,” contrasting it with the charming and apt “Bromley Bells.” The finale uses the sprightly “We Are All Right at Canterbury and Ramsgate Pier,” using the lilting “Northdown Waltz” as a lyrical contrast.

Publisher: Anglo Music Press
Series: Anglo Music Concert Band
Band Grade: 5
Credits: Philip Sparke
Composer(s): Philip Sparke