Tres Danzas

Tres Danzas (Swedish composer Niklas Sivelöv is equally well known as a pianist. His repertoire ranges from Beethoven to Ligeti, and includes works composed especially for him by contemporary Scandinavian composers. Tres Danzas was written in 1995 for Øystein Baadsvik. South American influences are clearly discernible; the rhythms, musical vitality and melodic devices are all developed from the folk music of that continent. The composer has observed: “My fascination with rhythm is manifest and plays a role in everything that I do. Rhythm gives music life and energy, and I feel it quite naturally because I have played jazz all my life.” The use of syncopation lends the piece a jaunty, alluring character. The second movement, Andante quasi adagio, alternates between dreaminess and dramatic outbursts. The climax is reached in the middle section, where the tuba climbs up into a high register. The finale,Vivace, invites us to join a fast and furious dance full of verve, power and humor. It is very much like a competition in which the tuba and piano try to dance as fast as possible. The work is recorded by Baadsvik and the composer on BIS CD 1585, Danzas.)