Roland Szentpali

3 Dances

3 Dances is a suite in three movements, presented here in a new arrangement for solo soprano saxophone, solo euphonium, and fanfare orchestra. The original work was written for two solo tubas and big band. The work is typical of Roland Szentpali’s compositional versatility. His approach to jazz is deeply rooted, featuring subtle, fast, or slow instrumental or rhythmic groovy sequences that stimulate the two soloists in their interactions (and how!). I. Blow On Fire begins with a free cadenza that launches fast-paced elements throughout the entire movement. The two soloists intervene as soon as the melodic elements have heated up the atmosphere, and then develop their own dynamic relay race. II. "Oriental Flavors" has a different kind of groove (as the movement title suggests). The brief opening by the trombones leads into a dry beat that contrasts with the stimulating lyrical sequences of the two soloists. III. "Cinder Dance" [Dance of the Ashes] leads musicians and listeners into various trance-like states through irregular rhythms. After some time, the two soloists, supported by the percussion, soar through cadenza-like sequences and finally land in a long and fiery collective finale. The world premiere and recording debut of this original work took place on May 13 and 14, 2017, at the L. Austin Weeks Center for Recording and Performance at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami —Coral Gables (Florida, USA)—featuring the award-winning Frost Concert Jazz Band conducted by John Daversa and tuba soloists Aaron Tindall and Roland Szentpali.