Lauren Bernofsky

Tropanka and Patsh Tantz

This two-movement work is sure to be a hit at your next concert! The first movement, Tropanka (pronounced "tro-PAHN-kuh"), translates as "stomping dance" and originated in Bulgaria. One can hear two repeated notes at the end of each phrase - this is where the dancers stomp! The second movement, Patsh Tantz (pronounced "PAHTSH tahnts") is a classic example of Klezmer, or Eastern European Jewish folk music. The title of this movement is Yiddish for "clapping dance", and all the players get the chance to clap at certain points in their individual parts. Both movements should be played rhythmically; adding weight to many of the downbeats will help bring out the "earthy" character of the music.