Charanga is an instrumentation form born out of the French Charanga tradition. Originally it comprised one flute, a string section made up of violins (between 2 and 4, on occasions combined with viola and cello) and a rhythm section made up of a double bass, kettledrums (originally tympani) and a güiro. The piano and the conga were added in the 40s. This combination, Cuban in origin, became a firm favourite throughout the 50s and 60s among lovers of afro/West Indian rhythms.

In Spain, Charanga is a collection of woodwind and brass instruments (usually 2-4 saxophones, 2 trumpets and 2 trombones) with a percussion section made up of bass drum, snare drum and cymbals. Accompanied by groups of locals making their way through streets and squares the music serves to liven up town and village fiestas.

The arrangements in this collection allow the pieces to be performed in four parts with accompaniments designed for those Charanga groups which are regularly formed within music bands.

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