Work : 3 Latin Dances No.1: Charanga di Xiomara Reyes
Composer : Patrick Hiketick http://patrickhiketick.be/biography.html
Difficulty Ranking : IV
Publisher: Alry Publications http://www.alrypublications.com/ and Metropolis Music Publishers
Year Written : 2003
Instrumentation : 3 Bb Clarinets & Bass Clarinet (in bass clef)
Potential Pedagogical Applications : Intonation (interval, unison, octave), articulation matching, ensemble mechanics (cuing and tempo transitions), phrase matching extensive range (bass clarinet to low c), bass clef reading (bass clarinet), Latin style (syncopated rhythms) and harmonic content, solo passages, cut-time, frequent metric shifts
Sample Recording : https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tInwNArypyk
Where to Purchase Sheet Music : http://www.alrypublications.com/hiketick-latin-dance-no-1-charanga-clarinet-quartet/
Annotation : The first in a set of three works in the 3 Latin Dances Collection, Charanga di Xiomara Reyes is a fast-paced and exciting opening that challenges each player through idiomatic syncopation and frequent metric shifts. Each player takes turns with both the melody and the countermelody, and as such, balancing the different parts is challenging. Hiketick harmonizes the melody in thirds throughout the work, which can be difficult for intonation. Like his other works, this pieces requires a bass clarinet with the ability to play down to C 1 as well as a bass clarinetist that is capable of reading in bass clef. This work, as with any in the collection can be performed as standalone works, and this work in particular is a great opener or closer for a program due to exciting mood.
