Les Indes Galantes (French: "The Amorous Indies") is an opera by Jean-Philippe Rameau with a libretto by Louis Fuzelier. It takes the form of an opéra-ballet with a prologue and (in its final form) four entrées (acts). Following an allegorical prologue, the four entrées have distinct and separate plots, but are unified by the theme of love in exotic places (The Ottoman Empire, Peru, Persia, and North America). The most famous pieces from the work, Danse des Sauvages and the final Chaconne, come from the final entrée (Les sauvages).

The premiere, including only the prologue and the first two of its four entrées (acts), was staged by the Académie Royale de Musique at itstheatre in the Palais-Royal in Paris on 23 August 1735, starring the leading singers of the Opéra, Marie Antier, Marie Pélissier, Mlle Errémans, Mlle Petitpas, Denis-François Tribou, Pierre Jélyotte, and Claude-Louis-Dominique Chassé de Chinais, and the dancers Marie Sallé and Louis Dupré. Michel Blondy provided the choreography. The ballet's Premier Menuet was used in the soundtrack of the 2006 film Marie Antoinette.

The Sauvages: The stage shows a grove in a forest in America, on the borders of the French and Spanish colonies, where the ceremony of the Peace Pipe is about to be celebrated

Adario, a Native American, is in love with Zima, daughter of a native chief, but he fears the rivalry of the Spaniard Don Alvar and the Frenchman Damon (Air: Rivaux des mes exploits, rivaux des mes amours). The Europeans plead with Zima for her love, but she says Damon is too fickle and Alvar is too jealous; she prefers the natural love shown by Adario (Air: Sur nos bords l'amour vole) and the couple vow to marry (Duet: Hymen, viens nous unir d'une chaîne éternelle). The act ends with the Europeans joining the natives in the ceremony of peace (Chorus: Forêts paisibles).

Taken fromhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Indes_galantes

7 Danzas Cubanas (7 Cuban Dances) by Ignacio Cervantes, arranged for string quartet by Patricia Rudisill. Each movement is 1-2 min. in length, total piece is approx. 13\'00. An easy sight-read for pros, and fun challenge for advanced-intermediate students. Upper positions in first violin, other parts not as difficult except for some tricky rhythm and syncopation. Includes 1 set of parts. This is a collection of Cuban composer Cervantes\' best loved piano miniatures, arranged for string quartet. Written in the late 1800\'s, these short dances are the perfect blend of romantic lyricism and Caribbean rhythm. Great for both gigs or concert performance - a fresh and fun addition to any string player\'s library! Song list: No Me Toques (Don\'t Touch Me) Los Tres Golpes (Three Strikes) Ilusiones Perdidas (Lost Illusions) Siempre Si (Always \"Yes\") La Celosa (Jealous Woman) Invitacion (Invitation) No Bailes Mas (Dance no more!).