Canzone e Danza (from Impressioni Brasiliane) - Respighi

In 1927, when Italian composer Ottorino Respighi and his wife Elsa were invited for a trip to Brazil for conducting and recitals in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo he also found some time to explore native folk-music. Back in Italy he composed, based on these Brazilian experiences, a suite in three movements. This 'Impressioni Brasiliane' ('Brazilian Impressions') is full with indigenous melodic and rhythmic shapes. The last movement of the suite, 'Canzone e Danza' ('Song and Dance') finds Respighi in unbuttoned mood, its carnival atmosphere created by an assortment of percussive effects, swaying rhythms and, announced by horns, an exuberant samba. Dutch arranger Jacques Dubois transcribed the 'Canzone e Danza' for Symphonic Band.