100 Greatest Dance Hits (1993)

Movements
Introduction
Salsa Pasada
MOR * Easy-Listening Slow Dance Ballad
Dance Party on the Disco Motorboat

Note
Kernis intended this guitar quintet to be a reflection of 90s popular styles. He confesses that while composing it, the sounds of 70s music rose to the surface most strongly. The piece begins with the guitarist and quartet literally drumming out motivic rhythms on their instruments. In the final movement, voiced percussion sounds bring this charming work to a close aboard the "Disco Motorboat"- the composer's nod to the "Soul Train." The echoes of everyday music that form the source material for this work are a reminder that we are surrounded by unceasing music - at the mall, being gaily serenaded by smarmy, unseen violins; on the phone, consigned to eternal hold with its assuasive Muzak; and at home, being lulled to sleep by the television.

(Program Note Courtesy of 92Y)