M. Brandman: Warm Winds in Havana
“Originally composed for saxophone quartet, Warm Winds in Havana has been adapted for string quartet with an optional 3rd violin part that doubles the viola part. There is also a percussion part for two of the movements, thus offering plenty of scope for teachers to use for students’ ensemble development, and very approachable for an intermediate level ensemble.
Featuring jazz and Latin-American influences, the first piece, Cuba Promenade is lively, in the style of a Samba Solida del Sol, capturing the sunrise, is more gentle, in 7/8 time, with a contrasting section and a swing feel in triple time. Danza del Dia is next, in syncopated rhythms contrasted with flowing melodies. Lastly Ritmo de la Noche has shimmering effects, building excitement in the disco rhythm, resulting in a variety of colours and textures.
Performance suggestions for Ritmo include sul tasto and sul ponticello, adding further tonal contrasts. Pizzicato is also used very effectively, bringing out the taut rhythms. A clearly- written score with six separate parts in larger than usual type is very welcome, making reading easy. Apart from the sheer delight to be found in playing these pieces, there is great educational value here, particularly in controlling/commanding the more unusual rhythms.” Reviewed by Mary Nemet for Stringendo Magazine October 2024
Australian String Teachers Association AUSTA
Stringendo magazine Review October 2024
WARM WINDS in HAVANA for STRING ENSEMBLE
Margaret Brandman
Furore Edition 10423
www.margaretbrandmanmusic.com.au/ product/warm-winds-in-havana-2/
Reproduced by kind permission of AUSTA Stringendo, Volume 46, Number 2
www.austa.asn.au