Bruce Pearson

German Dance The Sleigh Ride

This dashing work in one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's more frequently heard German Dances (K. 605, No. 3), which he specifically titled 'The Sleigh Ride.' The composition was originally written during the last year of Mozart's life in 1791. That year was one of his more productive years, composing other well known masterpieces such as The Magic Flute, Piano Concerto in B-Flat Major, The Concerto for Clarinet, and his very last composition, the Requiem which he finished only twelve of the fifteen sections before his death. German Dance captures the wonderful melodies, lively rhythms, and ingenious colors of Mozart's style. This is a charming arrangement with three separate bell parts bringing forth the festive sound of ringing sleigh bells. Arranged to re-create classical scoring, this joyful programmatic piece will be a favorite with young musicians and audiences alike.