Jota (Rondalla Argonesa) Spanish Dance No. 6 op. 5 for Mallet Quartet - 4 Min.; arranged by Don Larsen for Vibra and 3 Marimbas; 2 and 4 Mallets, intermediate

The set of “Danzas Espanolas” was composed by Enrique Granados between 1892 and 1900. They are among his earliest works. Inspiration for these arrangements came from hearing a LA Guitar Quartet performance on the radio of the “Villanesca”. I immediately heard the possibilities for an arrangement for mallet ensemble. Alicia De Laroccha’s superb piano performances on CD also inspired me to arrange the “Jota” and “Oriental”. My thanks to my friends and colleagues, members of the Ambira Mallet Ensemble, Murray Houllif, Alec Massaro, Ross Burwasser and Greg Charnon for bringing these arrangements to life.