The “Philharmonic Wind Orchestra” under the direction of Marc Reift presents a varied collection of works on the CD “Gallito“, which combines both traditional and modern influences of wind music. The recording, which was released in January 2024, has a playing time of around 45 minutes and comprises 14 tracks ranging from Spanish pasodobles to Italian opera melodies and symphonic arrangements. This article highlights the musical highlights, the special features of the selected pieces and the orchestra’s artistic interpretation.
The titles at a glance
The CD “Gallito” brings together works by various composers that impress with their lively rhythms, expressive melodies and virtuoso arrangements. The following section takes a closer look at some of the outstanding pieces:
- “La Parranda (Canto a Murcia)” – Francisco Alonso’s lively piece is typical of the Spanish zarzuela tradition. Francisco Alonso, an important representative of this genre, combines folk sounds with symphonic depth. The piece captivates with its rousing rhythms and colorful instrumentation, which the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra masterfully implements.
- “Core ‘Ngato (Ungrateful Heart)” – Salvatore Cardillo: This work, arranged by Jirka Kadlec, is an example of the emotional depth of the Italian operatic tradition. The melody, which oscillates between melancholy and dramatic passages, is portrayed particularly impressively by the precise interpretation of the orchestra.
- “Il Risorgimento” – Romualdo Marenco, known for his symphonic poems, created “Il Risorgimento”, a work that musically captures the spirit of the Italian Risorgimento – the movement for Italian unity. The arrangements by Michal Worek emphasize the dramatic accents and the heroic mood of the piece.
- “Gallito” – Santiago Lopez: The title song of the CD, “Gallito”, is a pasodoble that captivates with its energetic rhythm music and virtuoso instrumentation. Santiago Lopez, a versatile guitarist and composer, has created a work that is convincing both in the concert hall and on festive occasions. The arrangement for wind orchestra emphasizes the dynamic and rousing nature of the piece.
- “Danzas Españolas” – Bertrand Moren’s “Danzas Españolas” are a tribute to Spanish folklore. The suite combines various dances that captivate with their rhythmic variety and the colorful sound palette of the orchestra.
- “Las Corsarias” – Francisco Alonso: Another work by Francisco Alonso that stands out for its dramatic narrative style and lively orchestration. “Las Corsarias” tells the musical story of adventures and seafarers and is interpreted with great expressiveness by the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra.
and a further eight works.
The CD “Gallito” by the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra under the direction of Marc Reift is a successful tribute to the diversity of wind music. The combination of traditional and modern works, the precise interpretation and the high-quality arrangements make this recording a must for all lovers of symphonic wind music.
