Dance and Program Music

When I think of dance music, I automatically think about a rave party. While program music is music that has already been mapped out by a text. It is interesting to think of the many images, which can be evoked through programmatic music. For instance Brahms Ballades, Op. 10 No. 1 is set on the poem “Edward”, however, this was not clear to me until I read the text. In terms of dance music, I feel that the message is much easier conveyed. Once I hear the rhythm of a waltz, or the beat of a polka I immediately begin to move to the music. In saying that, some programmatic pieces like the Dante Sonata, definitely communicate a strong message. In my mind. Liszt the King of programmatic music is so forward with his gesture in the music, that it is very clear when he is embracing love, or death. Chopin, the narrative composer comes close to Liszt, yet writes in such a way, you have to listen at least four to five times, and then you may understand the underlying message. Last but not least, Russian giant Tchaikovsky brings The Seasons to the table. Twelve short character pieces. Another example of programmatic music. Due to their short length, the characters are much easier to comprehend. No fuss with thematic development. Fast game is always a good game!