richtom

I have played this piece in concert and will be doing it again this summer in an
outdoor concert and can add this.
Mendez plays this in a different key. The original of course, is in F, the Mendez - if memory serves - is in Ab concert. Personally, I wouldn't dream of attempting Mr. Mendez's additions
in the original in the key of F.
I prefer a relaxed tempo fast enough to allow double tonguing on the sixteenth notes and
careful use of ruboto. The ending should be like saying "good night" to your audience.
This is one of those pieces that is more difficult stylistically than technically and requires a good conductor to keep the accompaniment flowing.
Arguably, the most famous recording is the original with James F. Burke as the soloist
with Leroy Anderson as the conductor. I think it is slightly fast, but it is beautifully
played.
Good luck to you in whatever way you choose to play this piece. The audience will love it. It is quite lovely.
Rich Tomasek