Beschrijving

Contrary to musical practice in Anglo-Saxon countries, pieces for solo instruments and band are of a more or less inferior impact in Central Europe. Exceptions to this rule are the solo works for xylophone and band. Compositions such as the famous “Circus Renz Galop” never ceased to be attractive and consequently belongs the core repertory of numerous bands. It therefore was obvious for Karel Zuna to write a modern solo for this combination in order to prove that such music is enthusiastically welcomed even today. And he truly managed to provide a thrilling piece for us. The composer of this brilliant solo, Karel Zuna, had been a military musician ever since the days of his musical education. During his military career he performed in bands stationed in Zilina, Litomerice, and Prague, where he played both with the Band of the Prague Castle Guard and the Central Band of the Czechoslovak Army. He was frequently featured as soloist (clarinet and saxophone) in concerts presented by the Central Band. He later turned to the xylophone, and next to a number of compositions for this instrument like the brilliant “Mallet Man” solo recorded here, and he even wrote a teaching manual for xylophone.