“BEYOND RITUALS”
Music and dance, in their deepest essence, act as bridges that unite humanity in a common celebration of existence. My purpose in creating a work that speaks about the union of humanity through dance and music has led me to reflect on the practices of native peoples, where music and dance emerged as primordial forms of connection with nature and the divine.
These peoples worshiped natural deities and, through rituals, invoked rain, gave thanks to the sun, venerated fire, and celebrated all that the earth provided them.
Thus, every movement, every chant, and every drumbeat became a sacred offering.
Dance and music were not only artistic expressions but also means to pay tribute to nature, reinforcing the bond between humans and their environment. In this spirit, both expressions brought people together in a shared act of worship and gratitude, reflecting the common roots that still connect us all to the eternal rhythm of life.
Commissioned and dedicated to the Cambrian Symphony, San Jose, California, USA, and Maestro Scott Krijnen, Music Director. September 21, 2024 – Hammer Theatre – San Jose, CA.
“MEMORIAS ARGENTINAS”
As it is well known, many of the Argentine folk rhythms have African roots. This musical piece is inspired by three of them: chacarera, zamba, and malambo. Each of these styles is performed and danced in different regions of the country, extending throughout the national territory.
Understanding that it is impossible to encompass in a single musical composition all the influences that African heritage has had on Argentine folk music, this suite is an attempt to preserve, pay homage to, and renew some of those inherited elements after centuries.
Commissioned and dedicated to the California Youth Symphony, Palo Alto, California, USA, and Maestro Leo Eylar, Conductor. – June 27, 2024 – at the Auditori i Palau de Congressos de Castelló. This concert was part of the CYS Spain Tour 2024.
“CANDOM”
This is a work written to capture the feelings produced by the color and speed of life in the two big cities of the Río de la Plata – Buenos Aires and Montevideo – taking advantage of the rhythm that unites them better than any other: the candombe. This rhythm with African roots, today undeniably Uruguayan, in other centuries was as much from Montevideo as it was from Buenos Aires.
Composed in February, this work is influenced by the advent of the carnival. And since the Rio de la Plata carnival is surrounded by characters that evoke a mixture of joy and nostalgia, Candom goes through a lot of emotions, like every human being that goes through this existence with passion and commitment.
During the last week of writing this piece, a war has started on the other side of the world. I dedicate this work to all those human beings who fight for peace, to all those who contribute every day offering their own peace through the love of their actions, to all who believe in humanity, who respect people’s lives and who take care of all life forms on the planet.
And I dedicate this work to childhood, hoping that some day the children of the world will not know the word “war” and be amazed to learn of its anachronistic meaning.
2023-24 Season Senior PACO Orchestra Concert #4 – Maestro Scott Krijnen, Music Director – Cubberley Theatre, Palo Alto, CA – May 18th, 2024
“EL ABASTO”
This piece expresses my need to reconnect with the music of not only of my country and my city, but of my own personal history as well. The music that has surrounded me as an Argentine and as a Buenos Aires native since my childhood. The music that played on the kitchen radio where my father spent every Sunday morning cooking for the family until noon.
The intention is to address one of the distinctive styles of typical Argentine tango, without presuming stylistic purity, but allowing the mixture of this style with symphonic music, using tonal harmonies that are developed from a more contemporary perspective. A fusion among many other possible ones.
Dedicated to my dad, who surely would have enjoyed it very much.
OU Symphony Band, Maestro Andrey Cruz, Conductor, Sharp Concert Hall, Oklahoma, USA, November 21, 2022