El Sol Tambien Se Pone (R.Holmes)

"El Sol Tambien Se Pone" is a vibrant rumba, originally composed by Ludar Felsenstein for the 1991 film *Soapdish*. The title, translating to "The Sun Also Sets," cleverly references the fictional soap opera within the movie, and the piece itself perfectly captures the film's zany, mambo-inspired comedic tone. While not a traditional jazz standard, its infectious Latin groove and memorable melody have made it a notable piece within contemporary big band repertoire, particularly for ensembles seeking to explore authentic Latin jazz styles. The rumba, a dance and musical style with deep Afro-Cuban roots, gained significant popularity in North American big band music during the 1920s and 30s, often referred to as "rhumba". This era saw bandleaders like Xavier Cugat adapt existing songs and create new ones featuring these captivating Cuban rhythms, laying the groundwork for pieces like Felsenstein's to emerge later. This arrangement by Roger Holmes is a high-energy rumba, presented in a driving, medium-fast tempo with a consistent 4/4 time signature. The musical character is undeniably celebratory and passionate, evoking images of a lively dance floor. The piece maintains a bright, major key feel, contributing to its overall optimistic and engaging mood. Percussion is paramount, driving the rhythmic foundation with a continuous flow of eighth notes typical of the rumba style. The arrangement showcases a dynamic interplay between sections, building excitement through layered horn lines and a powerful brass presence. It's designed to make an immediate impact, characterized by its infectious rhythmic pulse and memorable melodic hooks that are sure to captivate both performers and audiences. Roger Holmes, renowned for his ability to craft accessible yet authentic big band charts, approaches "El Sol Tambien Se Pone" with his signature clarity and rhythmic precision. His treatment emphasizes strong sectional writing, ensuring each part contributes to the overall Latin texture. Expect well-articulated brass fanfares and tightly voiced saxophone soli sections that cut through the ensemble, providing both melodic interest and rhythmic drive. Holmes expertly utilizes the full big band instrumentation to create a rich, layered sound, building intensity through dynamic contrasts and strategic ensemble tutti passages. There are no abrupt modulations, allowing the groove to remain firmly established, while extended harmonies are used judiciously to add color without sacrificing the danceable quality of the rumba. The melody is primarily carried by the trumpet and saxophone sections, often in unison or harmonized lines, ensuring its prominence over the energetic rhythmic accompaniment. While specific featured solos are not explicitly detailed, the arrangement provides ample opportunity for improvisation over the established chord changes, particularly for trumpet or tenor saxophone, allowing soloists to showcase their Latin jazz vocabulary. Technical challenges include maintaining rhythmic precision in the fast-paced percussion and bass lines, as well as achieving clean articulation and blend in the horn sections. The piece is rewarding to perform due to its infectious energy, providing a fantastic opportunity for a big band to explore and master the nuances of the rumba style, culminating in a powerful and cohesive ensemble sound. This arrangement is ideally suited for college and advanced high school jazz ensembles, as well as community and professional big bands looking to add an authentic and exciting Latin piece to their repertoire. Its Grade 4 difficulty rating indicates it requires solid instrumental proficiency and a developed sense of ensemble playing to achieve its full potential. This rumba arrangement demands a precise and consistent rhythmic foundation, particularly from the rhythm section. Drummers should focus on maintaining a steady, driving eighth-note pulse, emphasizing the clave feel without overplaying. Bassists must lock in tightly with the drums, providing a clear and propulsive bass line. Horn players should prioritize crisp, unified articulation, especially in the numerous rhythmic figures and soli sections. Trumpet players should be prepared for sustained high notes and strong projection in the shout choruses. Trombones need to articulate clearly and blend effectively in their rhythmic punctuations. The tempo should be a medium-fast Latin groove, around 140-160 BPM, allowing for both rhythmic clarity and danceable energy. Avoid rushing or dragging; a metronome-like internal clock is crucial. No special techniques like plunger mutes or falls are explicitly required, but stylistic inflections typical of Latin music, such as subtle scoops and controlled vibrato, will enhance authenticity. Rehearsal tips include isolating rhythm section parts to solidify the groove, then adding horn sections layer by layer. Focus on dynamic contrasts, ensuring crescendos build effectively and tutti sections have maximum impact. Encourage all musicians to listen across the ensemble to achieve a cohesive, unified sound, particularly in the call-and-response passages. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a full big band dance ensemble, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums, totaling 18 instrumental parts. Q: What is the difficulty level of "El Sol Tambien Se Pone" by Roger Holmes? A: This arrangement is rated Grade 4, indicating it is suitable for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles, requiring solid technical ability and ensemble experience. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "El Sol Tambien Se Pone" is a rumba, a Latin jazz style with Afro-Cuban origins. The original piece was composed by Ludar Felsenstein for the 1991 film *Soapdish*, and this arrangement brings that vibrant, danceable energy to the big band setting. Q: What makes Roger Holmes' arrangement of "El Sol Tambien Se Pone" unique? A: Roger Holmes' arrangement is distinctive for its authentic and driving rumba groove, clear sectional writing, and dynamic use of the full big band instrumentation to create an energetic and captivating Latin sound, making it both accessible and exciting to perform. Q: What is the recommended tempo and approximate performance duration for this arrangement? A: The recommended tempo for this rumba is a medium-fast Latin groove, ideally between 140-160 BPM. While exact duration can vary with improvised solos, a typical performance would be approximately 3-4 minutes.