“Dance of the Lich Queen” for orchestra
Leo Yablans

I have always loved the world of fantasy. In “Dance of the Lich Queen,” I sought to combine that love with music by creating a worship dance piece for a fictional undead ruler (a Lich). The piece is divided into three parts, each meant to reflect sections of that dance: first, overture, an introduction to the piece’s harmonic and rhythmic themes that continually builds in intensity. Second, refrain, a furious 12/8 rhythm which develops those themes, building, building, finally reaching a sharp climax. At last, denouement, a come-down from the climax and return to the introduction’s themes, which slowly fade out.

In each section, I employ chromatic spacing between each part to create sinister sound-masses, as well as, in the first two sections, malletted percussion and celeste, which deliver skeletal and whimsical sounds.

Instrumentation
Piccolo (1)
Flute (2)
Oboe (2)
Cor Anglais (1)
Clarinet in Eb
Clarinet in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Bassoon (2)
Contrabassoon (1)
French Horn (4)
Trumpet in Bb (3)
Trombone (2)
Bass Trombone (1)
Tuba (1)
Timpani (1)
Bass Drum (2)
Cymbals (1)
Tam-Tam (1)
Wood Blocks (1)
Glockenspiel (1)
Xylophone (1)
Celeste (1)
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Double Bass


Image: Henri Mattise, "Dance (I)" (1909)

Dance of the Lich Queen (Midi)

Featured on ASCAP New Music Friday. 

Liner notes available at https://leoyablans.com/music/quartets

Leo Yablans

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