DESCRIPTION:
I added variations, block chords and a swing chorus to Magnante's great arrangement. The last chorus is played exactly as written.


In the 1950's Charles Magnante conducted workshops, seminars, classes and concerts at the Portland Oregon Accordion Festivals for 5 straight years. I attended all of his classes and workshops.

In 1959 I competed in the National Accordion Competition in Chicago. I was judged by 5 distinguished Judges. Charles Magnante was one of the judges. I don't think he liked my performance of "Mendelssohns Concerto in E Minor". He was scribbling notes on every page. Anyway, out of respect to this great man, I played the last page of his La Cumparsita arrangement exactly as he arranged it. I tried to execute the, staccatos, phrasing, accents, bellows, p, sf, cresc., .etc., in perfect competition style. Once again, I think I let Charlie down.

I orchestrated the rhythm section for my arrangement. The drums, bass and guitar are live performances from real musicians via the magic of Band in the Box. The background music is not MIDI.