Iturralde, Pedro - Pequena Czardas
This famous showpiece veers wildly from the faux-lyrical to flamboyant drama. Packed full of exaggeration and gusto, it excites without ever taking itself too seriously. The excessive rubato, and fast tempi that follow are typical of this Hungarian dance form. The altissimo register employed and the wildly intricate passages create a raucous energy befitting the title ('Czardas' derives from a Hungarian word for tavern). Here we find the spectacular, surprising virtuosity of the folk musician, free to play in his home village with abandon and passion. Though not presented here in its pure folk-music idiom, the influence of Brahms, Johann Strauss, and Tchaikovsky is blended with the raw Hungarian rhythms. The now 89-year old Spanish composer of this work also brings Flamenco colours to bear on his composition. It is a popular work for many saxophonists and has been presented in various arrangements since its initial composition in 1949 when the composer was just 20.