Sbandiamo!

Sbandiamo! is a joyous—and swinging—work, taking its title from the wind music event held annually in the medieval Italian city of Gubbio, Umbria in which various bands from all over Italy participate. The first performanceof this piece was given at the Piazza Grande, Gubbio, under the baton of the composer himself, with a wind band of some 250 musicians. A stately introduction, with festive percussion, is followed by a catchy theme in alternatingpop and march rhythms. The opening theme then returns as a marcia cantabile, and the work is brought to a grand and compelling conclusion.