The six dances on themes of the “Balletti” by Giovanni Gastoldi (1556-1622(?)) are meant to bring back to memory one of the great composers of his time. Gastoldi who left behind both church and secular music, was initially a singer at the court of Mantova, and following that chapel-master of the ducal orchestra at Santa Barbara’s in that city. Finally, in 1609, he had become master of the chapel at the cathedral in Milan. His collection of “Balletti” was extraordinarily successful in its time: they were composed as dance songs for singing and playing, and even distributed in Germany and England. The “Balletti” even influenced Gastoldi’s famous contemporary, Claudio Monteverdi.
Luigi di Ghisallo made the following general introductory remarks on his adaptation of the “Balletti” for the modern wind band: “As usually holds true for old music, dynamics are only rarely indicated. This pertains to transitions in particular, as composers commenced to show dynamic marks in their music only from the romantic period on. This does not mean, however, that everything has to be played exactly alike. Music always is a ‘musical language’ too, and we certainly cannot assume that people who lived in the 17th century spoke or made music in a monotonous way only. At that time too, people would speak in phrases building sentences to lead to the most important section, or, in musical terms, to the climax of a phrase. It consequently is the conductor’s prime task to interpret and perform the music in consonance with his analysis and score study.”
1. La Cortigiana
2. Il Ballerino
3. Il Passionato
4. Il Tedesco
5. Lo Solegrato
6. Lo Spensierato
BASIC SOUND
From S to XXL – Music for any band instrumentation
"Basic Sound" is a series by RUNDEL Music Publications offering an attractive and diversified repertoire to bands at grade 2 or 3 level, of sizes S to XXL. "Basic Sound" allows for performances by groups with limited instrumentation. Minimun requirements are clearly bracketed in the score.
The smallest size (S) of "Basic Sound" is based on the following instruments:
one (1) flute, two (2) clarinets, one (1) alto-saxophone, two (2) trumpets, one (1) trombone, one (1) baritone/euphonium, one (1) tuba and percussion.
Each edition also includes a full set of parts (XXL). That way the conductor can adjust the pieces of the "Basic Sound" series to his band's instrumentation.