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This exciting seven movement work for quintet was commissioned by the Aspen Quintet and premiered in New York City in 1994. It has been performed by many other prominent quintets including the Quintet of the Americas . The movements are as follows: Alborada, a slow introduction, Son with an ostinato Latin bass line in the bassoon and horn, Habanera, a trio movement for flute, clarinet and bassoon in the style of Ravel, Vals Venezolano, a lively Venezuelan waltz, Dizzyness, an homage to the late, great Dizzy Gillespie, Contredanza, an upbeat Cuban dance honoring Ernesto Lecuona, and Afro, which begins witha flute solo, followed by an energetic, rhythmic 6/8 dance over an African ostinato. This piece makes an unusual recital work and the individual movements also work well for jobs or educational concerts. Scored for flute (doubling on piccolo with optional alto flute), oboe (doubling on English horn), clarinet, basson and horn. (Mike did not write this article)

These two unpublished works come highly recommended. Quintet #1 is a very difficult work, minimalist, comtemporary. Number 2 is a fantastically innovative work and both are worth playing. The last phone number for Mr. Maslanka is USA 406-721-3453, and the score, parts and a perfomance tape can be order directly from him. Check it out!

A wonderful piece as yet unpublished, very surprisingly uplifting despite the horrific fate of Mr. Simon. James Simon died during the Holocaust and was last seen sitting on his suitcase composing music. If it's legal I would be happy to provide parts because I feel very strongly about this piece. No one seems to know where it came from. The Israel WWQ got it from a Jewish Agency here in Israel. Write to me at slatkin@netvision.net.il if you are interested.

This unusual and exciting new work for WWQ is based on the traditional African (Kigandan) folk music of Uganda and was commissioned by the Richmond Symphony Woodwind Quintet for their 1994 tour to East Africa. Justinian Tamusuza (b. 1951, Kibisi, Uganda), one of Africa's leading contemporary composers, is currently completing his doctoral work an Northwestern University. He has composed numerous works for Western classical musicians incorporating traditional African folk elements, minimalist techniques and polyrhythms. The Kronos Quartet has recorded his string quartet entitled Mu Kkubo EryO Omusaalaba on their best selling album "Pieces of Africa" which made history when it hit number one in both of Billboard's Classical and World Music categories. In the past year Abaafa Luli has received many performances in North America, Europe, and Africa. An excellent recital piece, it is also visually dynamic, with all five musicians doubling on maracas. (Mike Slatkin did not write this part of the article and doesn't know who did, the next part is an excerpt from the Richmond Times-Dispatch) "In this short piece, seven minutes, in two sections, Tamusuza creates a rich polyrhythmic texture (2/4 and 6/8 times predominate, with many permutations), woven not just by wind instruments but also hand-held maracas and stamping feet. The main theme sounds like a rhythimically energized hymn tune." RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCHALSO from the Richmond Free Press "...a mosaic of African and European genres. The climactic ending to Abaafa Luli - rapic and resounding rhythms - served to delight and exhilarate the listener." RICHMOND FREE PRESS

This piece was written for the Northwind Quintet in residence at the University of Northern Iowa. The work is very difficult both technically and rhythmically and comes most highly recommended. Score and parts can be ordered from:

     Mr. Troy Thompson
     2022 Texas Street No. 3
     Bellingham, WA  98226
     USA

     tel: USA 206-738-7092