Following on the success of Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 adapted for band, Oliver Nickel's transcription of Conga del Fuego Nuevo (Conga of New Fire) gives an added kick to the concert band repertoire. In contrast to the elegant, sinuous Danzón, Conga is an uptempo, celebratory piece, bright and catchy, with the percussion section providing the signature kick at the end of the conga pattern. Márquez slows things down in the middle section to spotlight the 1st trumpet in a melody that recalls the mariachi tradition. The alto saxes pick it up and relax into a ritard...only to be interrupted by the return of the opening material. The piece ends in fiery fashion. Dur: 5:00 SET OF PARTS
