‘Fiesta!’ – the very word rings with gaiety and laughter. The streets are garlanded with flowers, ribbons and vivid ornamental designs. The air is filled with the purple-velvetness of summertime. Noisy and excited people enjoy themselves way into the dawn amid fireworks, traditional dances and costumes, and the continual sounds of singing, castanets and guitars. The scenes of revelry are sustained by the tireless energy of the participants, displaying a fury that at times comes close to pagan abandonment. Only music can capture the intensely vital, often plaintive, but always passionate spirit of the fete. In this album, Alfredo Antonini And His Orchestra, through the music of Spain and Latin America, take you on the scene of the dynamic experience called – ‘Fiesta!’ The celebration opens with the exciting atmosphere and pent-up anticipation that surrounds the arena of “blood and sand”, as Alfredo Antonini And His Orchestra bring on the bright, martial rhythms of a paso doble. It’s a glorious rendition of Jose Padilla’s bright and infectious El Relicario. A stroll down Madrid’s main boulevard, La Gran Via follows as maestro Antonini utilizes the flavorful score from Joaquin Valverde’s zarzuela of the same name. The Waltz and Mazurka excerpts from this Spanish operetta are heard and, although these dance forms may seem alien to Spain, the music retains the national characteristics of the Spanish composer. The Moorish influence, so dominant in Spanish art and music, takes the spotlight in the flamenco ballad that blends brooding melancholy and characteristically Oriental colors with the dark tones of the ‘cello, thus capturing the spirit of Granadinas. Besides the sounds of flamenco music, no Spanish fiesta is complete without the sweet-scented national flower of Spain – the carnation, and through the melodic and poetic evocation of the Spanish landscape by Narcisa Calbo called Claveles De Espana (Carnations of Spain), the orchestra pays tribute to the flower that abounds at every joyous occasion. The Latin-American fiesta scene draws its inspiration for the most part from the old Spanish heritage. However, the music and dance do contain some irresistible native characteristics, as evident in the vivacious and intriguing syncopated rhythms of El Cascabel, from Mexico. Further enchantment is added by two of the world’s best known melodies. From Chile, Alfredo Antonini And His Orchestra present a highly effective interpretation of the beloved Creole folk song, Ay Ay Ay, and from neighboring Argentina, there are the sensuous tango rhythms of La Cumparsita in a colorful and spectacular arangement. The Latin-American holiday mood continues with lush strings and castanets in a rousing and romantic novelty tailored to the Antonini style – Fiesta Moon. Castanets is also the subject of the final selection in the ‘Fiesta!’ merriment as maestro Antonini and the Orchestra contribute an impressive excerpt from David Sequeira’s Fiesta Sevillana.