PETER I. TCHAIKOVSKY
Dance of the Jesters by Peter I. Tchaikovsky; arranged by Joe Hobbs © 2024 Tapspace Publications, LLC (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
PROGRAM NOTES
Dance of the Jesters is a lively and playful orchestral number from Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Snow Maiden, music composed to accompany Aleksandr Ostrovsky’s musical play of the same name. It is also known as “Dance of the Tumblers,” “Danse des Bouffons” in French, or “Schertztanz” in German. Based on a Russian fairy tale, the play tells the story of Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden), the daughter of Father Frost and the Spring Fairy, who struggles with her identity as a being of snow and ice in a world of warmth and humanity. In the play, the “Dance of the Jesters” occurs during a festive celebration, showcasing the lively and mischievous nature of the jesters in the court of Tsar Berendey.
The piece is characterized by its energetic tempo, bright orchestration, and playful melodies. Tchaikovsky’s skillful use of orchestral colors and rhythmic drive creates a sense of excitement and joyous celebration. In this arrangement, the main theme is jaunty and sprightly, evoking the antics of jesters entertaining the royal court. This theme is developed and passed between various keyboard instruments, including xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone, adding layers of complexity and dynamism to the music. The piece culminates in a rousing conclusion with the ensemble building to a thrilling climax before a final flourish brings the dance to a jubilant close.
— Joe Hobbs
PERFORMANCE NOTES
Mallet selection for the marimbas and vibraphones should be medium to medium hard. The xylophone mallet should be medium hard for articulation but not enough to overpower the marimba voice. The timpani mallet should also be articulate.
Be careful with the balance of the battery instruments in relation to the keyboards. These musicians might need to play lighter than normal to balance with the keyboard instruments.
The cymbals and bass drum part is intended to be performed by two players, but it may be performed by one player if using a cymbal attachment on the bass drum.
The piece may be performed without the unpitched percussion instruments using keyboards and timpani only. Only use the optional percussion if all five instruments are covered. Otherwise omit all unpitched percussion.
Vibraphone articulation/pedaling is indicated using slurs and staccato markings.
PLAYERS AND INSTRUMENTATION
Dance of the Jesters requires 9 or 14 players with the following instrumentation:
1. Glockenspiel
2. Vibraphone 1
3. Vibraphone 2
4. Xylophone
5. Marimba 1 (4-octave or share w/ M4)
6. Marimba 2 (4-octave)
7. Marimba 3 (4-octave)
8. Marimba 4 (5-octave)
9. 4 Timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”)
10. Snare drum*
11. Tambourine*
12. Triangle*
13. Hand cymbals & bass drum* (one or two players)
*optional (all or none)
SUGGESTED SETUP
