Fiery indeed! Anthony DiLorenzo’s Fire Dance is a compact, high-energy showpiece that has become a favorite among brass ensembles for its rhythmic bite, cinematic flair, and virtuosic dazzle. In a very short span of time (less than four minutes), the piece offers spirited challenges for top-notch brass musicians.

Written with DiLorenzo’s characteristic boldness, Fire Dance launches almost immediately into driving patterns that evoke sparks catching and flaring into motion. Syncopated rhythms and sharp accents give the music a propulsive edge, while bright, fanfare-like gestures cut through the texture with dramatic clarity.

Despite its brevity, Fire Dance feels expansive because DiLorenzo constantly shifts color and momentum, letting the ensemble move between tight unison lines and broader, more open sonorities. The harmonies lean toward the modern and vibrant, creating a sense of urgency that never fully settles. As the piece builds, the interplay among the instruments becomes increasingly intricate, giving performers plenty of opportunities to showcase agility and precision.

The work culminates in a final burst of rhythmic intensity, ending with the same fiery spirit that defines the entire piece.

The Fresno Philharmonic's performance of Fire Dance features:

• John Freeman, Trumpet 1
• Nathan Sobieralski, Trumpet 2
• Sarah Ference, Horn
• Katie Curran, Trombone
• Wayne Solomon, Bass Trombone

Program Notes © 2026 Paul Hyde

Paul Hyde, a longtime arts journalist, is an English instructor at Tri-County Technical College in South Carolina. He writes regularly for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the S.C. Daily Gazette, Classical Voice North America, ArtsATL and other publications. Readers may write to him at phyde@tctc.edu.