Roumanian Songs And Dances was written by Yascha (Jascha) Krein. It is scored for Violin and Piano. Like many of Krein's works it has ecome a perennial favourite among Violin soloists with its combination of rhythmic propulsion haunting Eastern European exoticism and brilliant firecracker scoring.Legendary violinist Yascha Krein (1880-1946) came to London from Russia in 1904 and for many years was Music Director at the Savoy Hotel in London. He became well known as a soloist much in demand throughout Britain and often toured with his Gypsy Orchestra. His compositions were often inspired by Eastern European music and he scored most of his music for Violin.

Jack Brymer premièred this work originally called 'Sopsonare' in 1973 at the American School at St. John's Wood playing on Michael Krein's Selmer soprano saxophone. This Sonata the first composition for saxophone by Colin Cowles was inspired by the acquisition of a soprano saxophone whilst teaching in Hemel Hempstead in the early 1970s. Although having played on a simple system soprano as a boy (an instrument borrowed from and taught him by his father) this re-introduction to the instrument was to kindle a life-long love of the complete saxophone family and the composition of an almost endless 'library' of works for it at all levels. It was also at a time whenthe composers had made recent acquaintance with the eminent saxophonist Peter Ripper and had been introduced to the saxophone quartet by the recently formed London Saxophone Quartet whose leader Paul Harvey was to play this Sonata and the Elegy for Soprano Saxophone and String Orchestra. He in fact premiered the latter work which Jack Brymer then played in public on a number of occasions. It was recorded by Peter Ripper with the composer at the piano at the BBC Maida Vale Studios. It is a totally non-esoteric work but like so much of the composer's music it is fun and approachable bearing repetition without becoming tedious. The composer has always favoured the Bb saxophones (soprano and tenor) which is reflected by his output. Of particular note are: • Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra• In Memoriam for Tenor Saxophone and String Orchestra• Sonata for Tenor Saxophone and Piano • Three Bala Sketches for Tenor Saxophone and Piano. This Sonata for Soprano Saxophone and Piano and the Elegy for Soprano Saxophone and Strings are particular favourites of the composer.

Arrangeur: Joseph Kreines. Par SUPPE FRANZ VON. Overture fougueux de Suppé est instantanément reconnaissable et dans cette transcription par Joseph Kreines, parfaitement adapté pour les performances de bande de concert !/ Répertoire / Ensemble à Vent