The piece “Introduction and Little Tarantella” by José Antonio Tolosa is a small chamber work scored for a mixed quintet consisting of an alto saxophone, a flute, and three cellos. This relatively short composition draws inspiration from the Italian folk dance known as the tarantella, which became especially popular in classical music from the 19th century onwards. Characterized by a fast 6/8 tempo, the tarantella typically features one section in a minor key and another in a major key.
In Tolosa’s work, the dance is preceded by an almost cadential introduction, where the cellos sustain the harmony while the saxophone and flute (entering in that order) perform solo passages that are both virtuosic and highly expressive. Following these woodwind solos, the tempo stabilizes and accelerates, highlighting the ternary subdivision typical of the folk dance that gives the piece its name. At this point, the motivic material of the main dance theme emerges.
The dance section consists of two contrasting themes: the first is fast and rhythmic, set in a minor key, while the second is calmer and more lyrical, in a major key. The work is written in a tonal language, with the introduction being more chromatic and harmonically complex than the tarantella. In the dance section, the folk inspiration leads to a more straightforward harmonic approach.
Both the harmonic language and the compositional style of the piece are reminiscent of the post-Romantic chamber music tradition, particularly works with popular influences designed for social or recreational performance rather than strictly formal concert settings. The piece carries a certain French aesthetic, evoking composers like Pierné or Saint-Saëns. In a way, it represents a style that looks to the past for inspiration, appealing to the audience’s taste while also ensuring the performers’ enjoyment.