Pura Vida!
(full orchestra, opt. narrator) 14'00"
A three-movement suite with narration introducing Latino musical styles, including the Samba, Bossa Nova, Cha Cha, Mambo, and Mexican Hat Dance. Contains Un Tango Nuevo, also available separately.
Listen (Tango) (mp3, 5.3 MB; 2006 MN All-State High School Orchestra, Steven Amundson conducting)
Score and Parts: Rental (inquire for fee)
Composer's Notes:
This work was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra for premiere on a Young People's Concert called "Viva Latino!" in 2006. Manny Laureano conducted, and I was the narrator. After verbally introducing the piece, the narrator continues speaking over the first part of Movement I, as the percussion instruments introduce each of the styles and the orchestra plays approximately one minute of each: Samba, Bossa Nova, Cha Cha, and Mambo.
Movement II is a tango with accordion solo (see Un Tango Nuevo). For the premiere we had a couple choreograph and dance the tango, which the kids really enjoyed. Movement III is a set of orchestral variations on one of the better known "Mexican Hat Dance" themes. Preceding it were some adorable and talented nine- and ten-year-olds from a local public school who performed the traditional Mexican Hat Dance. In both cases, the dancers are optional.