Je danse, J’apprends
A reel as a dance originates probably in Scotland, though it’s common as a dance form throughout the British Isles and eastern United States. As a result, its presence here is a bit of an outlier — it’s unlikely it appeared in French dance events. The music associated with this form (usually in 4/4 or 2/2) often includes fast-moving fiddle themes, which is true of my treatment as well, though in this case, the fiddle figure provides accompaniment for a tuneful melody introduced by the viola.
The percussion instruments for this movement are concert toms, four in total, providing a strong drum, almost African rhythm throughout. As is true of the earlier dances in this suite, the drums provide a transition as well as a thematic introduction to the rhythms which follow. It also serves to close the movement.
Be sure to listen to the entire suite to see how this part fits into it!
Jeffrey L. Jones, Composer 