Fire Dance: 2-Part/SSA Choral Octavo
Words and music by Daniel Brinsmead
Item: 00-PO-0007825
$2.50
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Description
An unforgettable exploration of light, shadow, and the elemental nature of fire! This captivating piece captures the flickering spirit and raw power of a growing blaze through a captivating mix of English imagery and rhythmic Latin chanting. Starting with a steady and evocative spoken introduction, the percussive piece quickly explodes into a high-energy 6/8 dance. Brinsmead masterfully employs dynamic contrasts and choral effects---including accented handclaps and a dramatic, breathless final exhale---to create a visceral experience for both performers and audience alike.
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Additional Details
Series:
Lawson-Gould
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007825
More about this title
About the Composer: Daniel Brinsmead
Daniel Brinsmead studied classical voice at the Australian National University's School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music with Honours in performance. He went on to complete a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, completing his studies in 2016. His choral works have gained international recognition, including a 2011 selection for the Abbey Road Anthem Competition, where his composition Come Sleep was recorded by Eric Whitacre and performed at the legendary studio's 80th anniversary celebration.
Based in Melbourne, Brinsmead works as a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and singing instructor. He currently serves as Artistic Director for The Australian Children's Choir and Choristry, and maintains a studio teaching practice alongside his active composition schedule. His published choral catalog reflects his deep engagement with both traditional and contemporary choral forms.
Why we love this
Fire Dance delivers genuine theatrical impact without requiring elaborate staging or special effects. The piece builds from intimate spoken text into kinetic 6/8 momentum, giving ensembles a natural arc that sustains audience attention while offering singers a full range of expressive tools, from rhythmic precision to visceral choral color.
What to expect
Fire Dance pulses with kinetic energy and primal imagery, moving from contemplative mystery to unbridled motion. The interplay of English and Latin creates a sensory richness, while dynamic contrasts and percussive effects immerse performers and listeners in the flickering, growing intensity of flame.
Who it's for
This piece suits intermediate to advanced treble choirs looking for concert or festival repertoire with genuine dramatic flair. It works equally well for SSA and 2-part voicings, making it accessible to mixed-ability ensembles while remaining sophisticated enough to satisfy strong singers seeking expressive challenge.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening spoken section as a unified ensemble moment; clarity and precise timing of the initial words set the stage for the explosive transition into 6/8.
- Commit fully to the handclap accents as a percussion instrument in the texture; they need rhythmic precision and dynamic control to cut through without sounding tentative.
- Balance the Latin chanting so it propels the rhythm forward without overwhelming the English text; think of it as an underlying current rather than a competing melody.
- The final exhale demands a deliberate, controlled release from all singers at once; mark it in rehearsal and isolate it as a group moment so the breath feels shared rather than staggered.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece or festival selection where you need a piece that commands attention without requiring large forces. It pairs well with more lyrical works on the same concert, providing contrast and spectacle while showcasing your choir's rhythmic precision and theatrical expressiveness.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in 6/8 meter with syncopated Latin text
- Dynamic control and contrast across a wide expressive range
- Ensemble coordination of spoken and sung elements
- Confidence performing percussive effects (handclaps) as integral to the arrangement
- Phrasing and breath control in both English and Latin languages