Polska

Lances Eccles, Polska for SATB Recorders, OMP139

Here is another collection of pieces by Lance Eccles - this time we have three lively dances with a Polish theme. The set begins with a 'brisk' Mazurka with very straight-forward rhythms in all the parts. This is followed by a 'measured' Polonaise which seems to open with more than a passing reference to La Follia before reaching a sudden shift in tonality. My favourite piece of the three is the final Polka Grotesque which sounds quite menacing and would probably be good for a horror movie! 

These short dances are all in a minor key but with many unexpected harmonic twists. On the whole, they are not very difficult: rhythmically there are very few surprises so the players can turn their attention to some of the slightly tricky fingerings which crop up here and there. they are a little bit 'different' and fun to play.

It might have been nice to have a few words of background information to the pieces but the music is clearly printed and maybe the music can speak for itself.

Sheila Richards, The Recorder Magazine, Autumn 2006.