About this work: As the title suggests, Harvest Dance is a piece written for the season of Autumn, the time of gathering.
The interpretation by dancers is essentially improvised, with the only direction coming from the music itself. As suggested by the long chords, one can imagine farmers and laborers at first reaping the harvest at a leisurely pace, as they bask in the glow of the season's remaining warmth. The only sign of the coming change is suggested by the tapping of a ride cymbal, representing a breeze as it gently but ominously sweeps over the land.
Then at about two minutes into the piece, the pace quickens and grows ever more determined as winters' chill begins to make itself felt. Gone are the long chords, which are replaced by the more pronounced rhythms of the vibes, piano, pizzicato bass, and percussion.
The pace grows ever more agitated as winter's fury get ever and ever closer. Then finally at about 4 minutes, the pace abruptly slows again. The work is done. The very last items are gathered and stored. And everyone seeks the comfort and warmth of the hearth indoors, we hear the descent of winter upon the land, as represented by the piano's downward glissando.
George F. Spicka