The music of Robert Russell Bennett (1894–1980) has had a monumental influence on American music and composers, and his orchestrations of more than 200 musicals established his distinctive and unique “Broadway sound” that is recognized worldwide. One of his original compositions for concert band, composed in 1949, is Suite of Old American Dances. The five movements are chock full of syncopated rhythms, sonorous and rich harmonies, and they superbly represent the undeniable American sound of the composer. (Source: JRO)
“Described by trade ads of the time as capturing the festive character and mood of a traditional Saturday night barn dance, the movements are more accurately social dances from Bennett’s Kansas City days at Electric Park and decidedly not rural in nature.” (Source: George Ferencz and Wikipedia)
