Hungarian Dances Nos. 5, 6 and 7 [Large Orchestra: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp.Perc(2-3): Str(9-8-7-

Originally written for piano four hands in 1879, this set of 21 lively dance tunes, mostly on Hungarian themes, are among Johannes Brahms’ (1833-1897) most popular works today, and they were the most profitable for him in his own lifetime also. In 1850, Brahms was introduced to "gypsy-style" music through Hungarian violinist Ede Remenyi, including the csardas "Bartfai emlek" (Memories of Bartfa) by Hungarian composer Bela Keler, which became the basis for Hungarian Dance No. 5. Arranged for many different instruments and ensembles over the years, this orchestration by Martin Schmeling (1864-1943) of Hungarian Dances Nos. 5, 6, and 7 include numerous optional parts permitting great flexibility to ensembles of different sizes. Instrumentation: Large Orchestra: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp.Perc(2-3): Str(9-8-7-6-5 in set) or Small Orchestra: 2.1.2.1: 2.0.0.0: Timp.Perc(1-3): Str(9-8-7-6-5 in set).