Despite its title, the work is not a piece of chamber music in the traditional sense, being scored for a modest-sized orchestra.
Like dancers, the members of this large group have to be very much in touch with what everyone else is doing, and allow for changing leadership to guide the smaller and bigger ensembles."
[1] The music critic Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim of The New York Times described Chamber Dance as "slinky, fast-flowing and infused with a strong sense of rhythm," adding, "it's an infectious piece of orchestral writing.
"[3] Anthony Burton of BBC Music Magazine said that the piece "requires a chamber-music-like responsiveness among the players.
"[4] Timothy Mangan of the Orange County Register was more critical of the work, however, remarking, "In Chamber Dance, Tower [...] reveals a sure craftsmanship, Stravinskian ear and conservative bent.