Most people who live in the Caribbean are of an outspokenly straightforward nature, and always in good mood. “Caribbean Summer”, a three-movement piece, captures this very mood: Very early in the morning, a summer day begins with “Guadeloupe”, a Caribbean waltz. In this the change from a triple meter to a duple meter counter rhythm is of prime importance. From it, the music draws a particular lilt.
At noon there is a happy and lively hustle and bustle on the beach. Vendors (“The Coconut Vendor”) sing and offer their sugar-peanuts (“Chou-Cou”). A guest spontaneously begins to drum his fingers on a table, a second one reaches for a calabash or a cowbell – a cha-cha-cha is born. Finally, in “Caribbean Nights” a joyful parade of happy people march down the streets. Based on this very feeling, a special dance developed chiefly in the Dominican Republic: a simple basic two-step pattern in even rhythm becomes a “Merengue” together with the right, so to speak contra rotating motion of the hips! This cheerful dance then marks the close of day in a happy way – and in the morning everything will begin over again…
1. Guadeloupe (Caribbean Waltz)
2. The Coconut Vendor (Cha-Cha)
3. Caribbean Nights (Merengue)
BASIC SOUND
From S to XXL – Music for any band instrumentation
"Basic Sound" is a series by RUNDEL Music Publications offering an attractive and diversified repertoire to bands at grade 2 or 3 level, of sizes S to XXL. "Basic Sound" allows for performances by groups with limited instrumentation. Minimun requirements are clearly bracketed in the score.
The smallest size (S) of "Basic Sound" is based on the following instruments:
one (1) flute, two (2) clarinets, one (1) alto-saxophone, two (2) trumpets, one (1) trombone, one (1) baritone/euphonium, one (1) tuba and percussion.
Each edition also includes a full set of parts (XXL). That way the conductor can adjust the pieces of the "Basic Sound" series to his band's instrumentation.