Nostalgic Dances

The three-movement suite Nostalgic Dances was inspired by experiences Zaninelli had as a pianist during the second world war, playing waltzes, fox trots, polkas, rhumbas, square dances, cha-chas, tarantellas, etc.

Program Notes

At the age of 12, I began playing in small dance orchestras. The second world war was raging and pianists were in short supply. What I lacked in skill, I attempted to make up for with brash enthusiasm. I was called to play for all kinds of events. I would learn to play jazz “hot” and “cool” and a variety of dance forms. I played waltzes, fox trots, polkas, rhumbas, square dances, cha-chas, and, of course, tarantellas. I loved to look out, as I played, and watch the dancers swirl by. Their faces would beam with joy as they, for a little while, attempted to forget the war which dominated our lives. Nostalgic Dances represents, for me, what remains in my musical memory of those bittersweet years. The dancers may be gone, but when I close my eyes I can still hear the music.

Grade Level: 4.5
Copyright: 2014
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 9:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: With Soloist
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
English Horn
Solo B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contralto Clarinet
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

String Bass
Piano (optional)

Timpani (4 drums)
Bells and Chimes
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Percussion 1 (suspended cymbal, tam-tam, crash cymbals, woodblock)
Percussion 2 (snare drum, woodblock, bass drum)