Robert W. Smith ’s (1989) is a cornerstone of the Grade 3 concert band repertoire, frequently performed at festivals and competitions due to its ability to make developing ensembles sound powerful and "charmed" (the literal translation of Encanto ). Deep Feature: The "Structural Charm"
is available, allowing smaller or unbalanced ensembles to perform the work with the same dramatic impact as the original. Hal Leonard Composer Background encanto robert w smith program notes
The piece opens not with a bang, but with a whisper. A solo B-flat Clarinet or Flute presents the primary thematic material against a backdrop of soft suspended cymbals and triangle rolls. The tempo marking is Andante espressivo (slow and expressive). This introduction is marked by dotted rhythms and chromatic descending lines, evoking the sighing quality of a flamenco vocalist. The harmonic language is modal, hovering between A minor and E Phrygian—a hallmark of Spanish music that avoids the predictable major/minor system. Robert W