Fundango

Fundango was inspired partially for the need to get viola players involved with using their "pinky finger" on the left-hand. The result is a Spanish-flavored piece that brings forth pictures of brave matadors dancing with their capes flying. After a sparkling introduction features the percussion section and a brief recitative that quotes from Rodrigo's famous Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar, the orchestra launches into action. The Violas share the lead with the Violins first and then with the Cellos next. Featured melodies are constantly supported by pizzicato and percussion accompaniment. The melodic sections are separated by chopped out chords and just as the orchestra is settling into the mood and tunefulness, the suspense begins to build into a frenzied accelerando to the finish. Fundango will challenge your students with some quick changes from arco-pizz-arco, violin 3rd position fingering (and some 4th pos.), tremolo effects, hooked bowing, and some quick tempos. The Tambourine and Castanets are the main percussion and the optional Drum Set part can be substituted using traditional orchestral percussion.