Chance's Incantation and Dance

John Barnes Chance
(November 20, 1932 – August 16, 1972)

The only really notable thing about Mr. Chance, other than the fact that we were nearly born on the same day (only 58 years apart), is the manner in which he died.

So Mr. John Barnes Chance, like many other Americans, had a dog. And like most dogs, Mr. Chance's dog was a dog, and rather liked to chase passing vehicles and was always seeking new ways to escape the confines of the Chance household/yard. In an effort for both the dog's safety (due to the nearby road) and for the peace-of-mind for the Chance family, our beloved composer decided to install one of those electrical dog-collar shocking fence things. Thus, the dog would learn to remain within the confines of the property owned by the Chances. However, little did he know that this dog would be the death of him.

On the fateful day in August 1972, as Mr. Chance was installing this electrical wiring around his yard, he had gone camping a day or two prior or planned on going camping. Oddly enough, Mr. Chance felt that his experience in setting up the fence could be improved with his dog outside. Either way, it was this combination of tents and dogs that killed him. Catching sight of a passing car, the dog bolted past the tent that was being aired outside. One of the metal poles from the tent fell and made contact with the fence that Mr. Chance was in the process of installing. He was electrocuted and died at 12:40 p.m. at Central Baptist Hospital from cardiac arrest.

What are the... chances of that?

Incantation and Dance, written in 1960, was the first piece composed by John Barnes Chance. It consists of two contrasting sections. The Incantation is a short, mournful melody, full of mystery and is pretty creeps when it comes to the flute part, which gradually builds to a ferocious conclusion. The Dance also begins quietly, moving to a complex rhythmic pattern in the percussion which is totes absolutely bonkers, and culminates in a frenzied dance. Part of me feels that this piece is an excellent forshadowing of the day he died. Starting out with the ominousness it's like"oh man Mr. Chance you're in for it today better watch out". Then as the piece picks up, you kind of get that feeling of the rambunctious dog and then you can almost hear the point at which Mr. Chance gets electrocuted.

The sound on this recording is pretty low, but it's the best recording I've found. Turn your volume up until you can just hear the flutes in the beginning, and that should be good. Don't make it too loud or you'll die.