Dance from Othello Suite, Op. 79

In 1909, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was commissioned compose incidental music for His Majesty’s Theatre London production of the Shakespeare play. One purpose of including newly composed music was to elevate Shakespeare productions rather than rely on old classics. Coleridge-Taylor put together a five-movement suite and this arrangement takes the first movement, Dance, and lowers it to the key of A minor, making it more accessible to developing string orchestras. The high energy and accelerando to the end make this single stand-alone movement a great concert opener or closer. Duration: 2:40