Fandango (Brass Band)

Written for soloists Philip Smith (trumpet) and Joseph Alessi (trombone) of the New York Philharmonic, this six-minute work explores the rhythmic, melodic and syncopated elements of the Spanish fandango dance form (a lively dance in triple time for two dancers).

Program Notes

Written on commission in 2000 for the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony for Philip Smith and Joseph Alessi.

This six-minute piece explores the rhythmic, melodic and syncopated elements of the Spanish fandango dance form (A lively dance in triple time for two dancers). The work divides itself into three sections:

The first is a combination of lively melodic and articulated interplay between the trumpet, trombone and wind symphony.

There is a stately chorale in the woodwinds that opens section two. The trombone adds itself to this material culminating in a short cadenza leading into the third section.

Section three is a basic recap of the opening material, but this time the soloists work the themes into a canon. There is a brief return of the chorale, this time for full ensemble, and then a fast coda reiterating the work's various rhythmic elements.

– Joseph Turrin

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 2021
Number of Players: Standard + 2
Duration: 6:40

Listen to Recording

Instrumentation

Conductor's Score

B-flat Cornet (or Trumpet) Soloist
B-flat Trombone Soloist

E-flat Soprano Cornet
Solo B-flat Cornet (4)
Repiano B-flat Cornet
2nd B-flat Cornet (2)
3rd B-flat Cornet (2)

B-flat Flugelhorn
Solo E-flat Horn
1st E-flat Horn
2nd E-flat Horn

1st B-flat Baritone
2nd B-flat Baritone

1st B-flat Trombone
2nd B-flat Trombone
Bass Trombone

B-flat Euphonium (2)
E-flat Bass (2)
B-flat Bass (2)

Timpani (4)
Mallet Percussion: Orchestra Bells, Xylophone, Chimes
Percussion 1: Shaker, Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Concert Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Claves, Castanets, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals