Basile Jean Barès

Grande Polka

This toe-tapping polka is originally for piano solo and transposed to the keys of A and E major. The melody and harmony float between the violins, with a brief appearance for cello and bass. The viola section provides a strong rhythmic drive. This work was written and published in 1860 while Bares was still enslaved. Not only is it a strong example of a composition by a black composer, but also a playable introduction to more complicated key signatures for your orchestra.