Istvan Gyorffy

Ungaresca

Hungarian-style dance music which flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries - generally referred to as ungaresca - represents a valuable part of European musical tradition. István Gy rffy's work (2007-2010) is a late successor of this tradition. It was written with the intention of embodying the eastern-central European tradition in order to present an alternative to the current fashions of music for wind instruments. The composer's approach to this style utilizes traditional forms of music. Both the first and third movements effectively optimize a concert band's tonal possibilities by using solos and small chamber groups in a varied manner. The slow and melodic second movementtransfers a characteristic playing technique of Hungarian instrumental folk music to the concert band. István Gy rffy composed Ungaresca for young people preparing for careers in music. The work provides an excellent opportunity for students not only to display their instrumental skills, but also to gain orchestral playing experience.