El Gato Montes

Spanish composer Manuel Penella (1880-1939) wrote much for the stage including opera and zarzuela (Spanish musical theater). His best known work is the pasodoble El Gato Montes or "The Wildcat" from the 1916 opera of the same name. Your audience will be shouting "OLE" and throwing their hats into the air when you play this lively pasodoble! This transcription is for saxophone quintet (SAATB or AAATB). Lively Spanish rhythms, a moderate allegro tempo (q = 104-112), semi-independent parts, and a moderate range make this a challenging but achievable piece for intermediate sax players. The brief length (under 3 minutes taking all repeats), simple key signature (2/4 throughout) and manageable key signature (G minor throughout) will contribute to your players' success. After unison fanfares, the Soprano or Alto alternate takes the lead throughout but the supporting parts are featured in countermelodies and rhythmic figures. The Baritone provides a classic pasodoble bass line as the foundation.