Octavo of the Month (February 2007)
Mike Walag, ICDA High School R&S Chair
Reminiscence
Reminiscence
Astor Piazzolla
Arr. Oscar Escalada
Kjos Music Co.
9062
SATBB, unaccompanied
2’30”
Difficult
Reminiscence is a rather unique Latin American piece composed by an Argentine tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. It has been arranged by Professor Oscar Escalada, the Vice President of the Argentine Association for Choral Music and founder and conductor of Coral del Nuevo Mundo (New World’s Chorale), which performed at the 1998 Central Division ACDA Convention in Detroit.
This selection is a tender and melancholy song “that infuses gentle tango rhythms and modern harmonies with a folk-like tune”. The mono-syllabic text imitates pizzicato strings, bowed strings, the bandoneon, and the guitar. Sopranos have the melody with complex rhythmic intricacies and expressive nuances throughout. The bass line provides a steady forward drive, while the more sustained inner parts fill out the harmonic texture. I think this piece would be well-suited for a jazz choir or similar small ensemble.
Visit www.Kjos.com for a complete listing of titles in their Larin American Choral Series.