The Tarantella is an Italian folk dance originating in the 15th & 16th centuries and is still played by Italian bands (Banda) throughout the country to this day. The name Tarantella derives from Tarantula (Spider). Tradition has it that back in the 15th & 16th centuries peasants working in the fields were at risk of getting bitten by the wolf spiders living in the grass & crops. The poisonous bite would send the women into a frenzy; only curable by dance. Hence a musical tradition was born.
Part of a collection of thirty original compositions and arrangements entitled Ba-Da-Boom Brass.
Inspired by the heritage and culture of world and historical brass-related styles.
We hope this repertoire will prompt a growing inquisitiveness for brass players of all ages and styles and was created with a brass club or gathering in mind.
Set at a moderate / training band standard, these pieces can be played by a flexi group of mixed brass instruments plus assorted optional percussion.
A minimum of 4 brass players is necessary, but the maximum is limitless.
All 4 brass voices have occasional divisi passages; in these instances more texture and harmonic colour is added.
In the instance of using just four brass players, playing just the top part in each case will provide a cohesive performance.
