Morton Gould

Latin American Symphonette (Symphonette No. 4): 3rd Movement, Guaracha

The "Guaracha" is the Third Movement from Mr. Gould's fourth Symphonette, LATIN AMERICAN SYMPHONETTE, which is in four movements - Rhumba, Tango, Guaracha, and Conga. The "Guaracha," relatively speaking, is the "minuet" movement. The name has two implications - one, that of a "drinking song" to which the word Guaracha is extensively employed in South American music, and second, that of a definite dance pattern. This movement has utilized both ideas, being a development rather than a literal interpretation of the original form. The Symphonette was completed in the winter of 1940 and received its first performance with the NYA Symphony under the direction of Fritz Mahler on February 22, 1941. The saxophones and guitar, although desirable, are optional and fully cued in the other parts. Generally, all parts are well cross-cued so that the work can be performed with a smaller orchestra. Instrumentation in set: 3(1&3 d.Picc).2.3(+BCl).2: 2ASax(dCl).TSax(dCl).BSax(dCl): 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc.(3): Hp.Gtr: Str(9.8.7.6.5).