Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes
Composed by Mike Dale
for Woodwind Quintet
Published by Forton Music
Includes score and parts

Instrumentation:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Horn in F, and Bassoon

       This piece is tranquil in nature, and was inspired by an imaginary journey by camel train across the rippling wind blown sand of a desert. The music is in distinct sections, each depicting a different stop on the imaginary journey. After an introductory two bars establishing the feel for the 1st part of this piece, the flute takes the lead for 4 bars soaring over the rhythmic accompaniment. This is followed by the oboe playing a similar but subtly different melody for the next 4 bars, continuing for another 8 bars a fourth higher with different melodies. For the next slightly quieter section, the bassoon and horn alternate question and answer style with the other three instruments producing a rippling accompaniment. The clarinet then takes the lead with the other instruments providing counter melodies over a falling bass line on the bassoon. The final section sees the horn take the lead with the bassoon providing a walking bass line. The piece finishes with a paraphrase of the opening phrase. This composition gives all the instrumentalists a chance to shine, without being an obvious solo feature for any of them.