Bring the excitement of traditional Latin dance to the string orchestra with this collection. Explore the 'clave,' or rhythmic groove styles, such as the Merengue, Tango, Mambo, and others in a flexible format. All instruments have the melody, a harmony part, and an accompaniment/bass line. Easy hand percussion parts are included for the string players to perform or the optional drumset part can be used. The use of piano and guitar is recommended for authenticity but not necessary. All text appears in both English and Spanish. / Violoncelle Et Contrebasse

Demanding salon music for string quartet (with double-bass ad libitum) is provided by Wolfgang Birtel in his 'Latin Dances' with four titles which can be played individually or as a little suite. The first dance is the chorinho 'Não me toques' by Zequinha de Abreu (1880-1935) who not only wrote 'Tico Tico' but also other rousing pieces of music. Ernesto Nazareth (1863-1934) is considered to be the 'inventor' of the Brazilian tango and waltz: He titled the waltz, which follows as second title, 'Ingenious'. These rather unknown titles are followed by two absolute worldwide hits: 'Bolada de Aficionado' by A.G. Villoldo and then the everlasting beguine 'Bésame Mucho' by the Mexican composer Consuelo Velázques (1916-2005). Whether individually or as a 'four-pack' - the fingers will be twitching and the toes will be tingling for this music carries away musicians and audience alike. / Quatuor A Cordes