An exciting challenge to prepare, this chamber delight was written for piano in 1890 as Tarantelle Styrienne. One of Debussy's most brilliant dances, he reissued the piece in 1903 as simply Danse. This was also a favorite of Maurice Ravel, who arranged it for orchestra in 1923.

Tarantella is a fast dance in 6/8 or 3/8. By legend, one bitten by the highly venomous wolf spider (Lycosa tarantula) developed a physical hysteria of motion lasting for hours or days, called "tarantism". In that sense, this arrangement does not differ from its source. While progressing at a consistent and quick tempo, observe the rhythmic device that gives the 6/8 time a 3/4 feel. You can enjoy the fun of syncopation while adhering to 6/8 time.

Parts 7 and 8 can be played by one or two players. The recommended instrumentation is Fl./Cl./Cl./S.Sax./A.Sax./T.Sax./B.Sax or EbCl./Cl./Cl./S.Sax./A.Sax./T.Sax./B.Sax or clarinet septet (Eb Cl./Cl./Cl./Cl./Cl./ A.Cl./B.Cl.). It will be easier to balance by having an advanced player on part 4.

Keiichi Kurokawa