Svestkova Alej

A traditional Bohemian waltz in a flexible arrangement that can be used for a small dance band or a full concert band. The arrangement is published for a complete concert band instrumentation. However, it is designed to work with a small polka or dance band instrumentation consisting of two clarinets, two alto saxes, tenor sax, two trumpets, trombone or euphonium, tuba, piano or accordion, and drum set. The other parts are supplementary parts that may be used with an expanded instrumentation on up to a full band, and double the essential parts. Svestkova Alej is a traditional Bohemian folk song. The title translates as "Plum Alley", but some published versions of the song erroneously translate it as “The Prune Song”. The tune has been used as a standard waltz by many American polka bands. English-language lyrics (that are not a translation of the original) are often added, and the song has become familiar to many by the title We Left Our Wives at Home.