Gioachino Rossini, 1835 - La Danza (Tarantella Napoletana) by Filipe Mendel

Originally composed by Gioachino Rossini in 1835 as part of Les soirées musicales, La danza is one of the most celebrated examples of the Italian tarantella. With a text by Carlo Pepoli, the original vocal work captures the excitement of a Neapolitan dance through its infectious rhythmic drive, lively melodic writing, and unmistakable Italian character.

In 1873, Sydney Smith published his piano transcription of the piece as Op. 104, bringing Rossini’s spirited music into the piano repertoire. This brass quintet arrangement takes Smith’s piano version as its musical source, reimagining the work through the distinctive colors and expressive possibilities of a brass ensemble.

The arrangement seeks to preserve the original's rhythmic vitality, sparkling character, and virtuosic energy while carefully distributing the musical material among the five instruments. The interplay between the upper voices and the lower brass creates a lively musical dialogue, while the rhythmic accompaniment maintains the relentless momentum essential to the tarantella.

Particular attention has been given to articulation, balance, phrasing, and the distribution of melodic lines, allowing each instrument to contribute to the overall texture without losing the clarity and elegance of Rossini’s writing. The result is a brilliant and festive concert piece that combines the charm of nineteenth-century Italian music with the bold, resonant sonority of the brass quintet.

This edition is intended for ensembles seeking an energetic and technically engaging addition to their repertoire, suitable for concert performances, recitals, and programs celebrating the virtuosity and expressive versatility of brass instruments.