Instrumentation

3(III=picc).2.2.2 - 4.4.2 trbn.btrbn.tuba - perc(4):glsp/xyl/vib/bongos/cyms - pno - elec bgtr/amp stringbass

Availability

Score and parts for hire

Faber Music Ltd. is the sole agent for Daugherty works published by Peermusic Classical in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

For these territories, contact the Faber Music Hire Library: http://www.fabermusic.com/content/hire-info

For other territories, including North and South America, South Korea and China, contact the Peermusic Classical Rental Library: http://www.subitomusic.com/rental/

Programme Notes

Michael Daugherty Desi Desi (1991) was composed for and premiered by the Stephen F. Austin State University Symphonic Band, conducted by John Whitwell at the 1991 CBDNA in Kansas City, Missouri. Since then Desi has been widely performed in America by ensembles ranging from the U.S. Marine Band to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and abroad by ensembles including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Netherlands Wind Ensemble, and the Zurich Tonhalle-Orchester. This work is a tribute to the persona of Desi Arnaz (1917-87), who played the Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo alongside his wife Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," widely regarded as one of the most innovative television comedy shows of the 1950's. The opening rhythmic motive is derived from the "Conga Dance" made famous by Arnaz when he sang and played bongos in Hollywood film musicals in the 1940's. In Desi the bongo soloist and percussion section provide a lively counterpoint to intricately structured musical canons and four-note cluster cords, creating polyrhythmic layers that intensify and build to a sizzling conclusion. Desi evokes a Latin sound punctuated by big band trumpets, trombone glissandi, and dazzling woodwind runs. Michael Daugherty

Desi

St Michael's Church (Northampton, United Kingdom)

County Youth Orchestra/Andy Kirkwood

Desi

Musikkonservatoriet (Trondheim, Norway)

Arne Johansen/students

Desi

No Venue (Calw, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Michael Schanz/Sinfonisches Blaaorchester Nordschwarzwald

Desi

No Venue (Calw, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Michae Schanz/Sinfonischas Blaaorchester Nordschwarzwald

Desi

No Venue (Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, Austria)

Guntram Simma/Jugendsinfonieorchestrer Dornbirn