Austin Symphonic Band Performing San Antonio Dances, mvt. 2, “Tex-Mex on the Riverwalk"
Austin Symphonic Band ( https://austinsymphonicband.org/ ). July 25, 2024. ASB performing San Antonio Dances, mvt. 2, “Tex-Mex on the Riverwalk" by Frank Ticheli. [NOTE: Click 'more' to read the program notes.] Richard Floyd, ASB Director Emeritus, Guest Conductor. "Community in Concert" presented at the 2024 Texas Bandmasters Association Convention/Clinic, Lila Cockrell Theatre, San Antonio, TX.
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Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings
From the program notes written by David Cross:
San Antonio Dances, Mvmt. II (2010)
Frank Ticheli (b. 1958)
Program note by the composer:
San Antonio Dances was composed as a tribute to a special city, whose captivating blend of Texan and Hispanic cultural influences enriched my life during my three years as a young music professor at Trinity University. It has been 20 years since I lived in San Antonio, but the city still tugs at my heartstrings and lives in this music.
The second movement’s lighthearted and joyous music celebrates San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk. Inspired by the streets and canals of Venice, Italy, architect Robert Hugman proposed his idea of converting the San Antonio riverfront into a beautiful urban park back in the 1920s. It took decades to complete, but the Riverwalk eventually became a reality—a 2-1/2 mile stretch of stunningly landscaped waterfront lined with hotels, restaurants, night clubs and shops.
Picture a group of friends seated at an outdoor patio of one of the Riverwalk’s many Tex-Mex restaurants, enjoying the scenery, the food, the company. In time, the evening settles in, the air cools, the mood brightens, the crowd picks up, and music is heard from every direction. Before you know it, the whole place is one giant fiesta that could go on forever.
Viva San Antonio!
Frank Ticheli has been and continues to be one of Austin Symphonic Bands biggest supporters. His music and personality have lifted the band and its audience since the inception of the group. We congratulate him on his retirement and commend his astounding 32-year tenure at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.
Listen for:
• A relaxed clave-driven opening featuring an alto saxophone duet
• Mariachi-type scoring with heavily vested trumpet, keyboard percussion, and haunting woodwinds
• A building intensity reminiscent of Ravel’s Bolero
