Description
Gregson Aztec Dances-Flute & Piano
Gregson Aztec Dances-Flute & Piano
Composer: Edward Gregson
Date of Composition: 2010
Publisher: Novello
Aztec Dances was commissioned by Christopher Orton, with the assistance of the BBC Performing Arts Fund. The premiere was given by Christopher Orton (recorder) and Magdalena Nasidlak (piano) in March 2010. A year later a version for flute and piano was specially created for Wissam Boustany in May 2011.
Finally, a version for flute and instrumental ensemble of 13 players was commissioned by Adam Johnson and the Orchestra of the Northern Lights.
About
The idea for the genesis of this work came after the composer visited an exhibition at the British Museum entitled Moctezuma-Aztec Ruler. The exhibition traced the events following the election in 1502 of Moctezuma as Supreme Ruler of the Aztecs, and the subsequent invasion in 1519 by a Spanish expedition led by Hermán Cortés – an event that was to eventually lead to the demise of the Aztec civilisation. Part of the exhibition explored the role that music and dance played in Aztec life.
Gregson has tried to reflect some of these highly contrasting and dramatic ideas in this four-movement work, where a multitude of colours and textures are exploited, as are more lyrical and highly charged rhythmic ideas.
The extended slow movement, Ghost Song, exploits inside-the-piano clusters and instrumental echoing, speaking voice, and humming, as well as a poignant melody as if trying to appease the ghosts of their ancient ancestors; whilst the highly-charged final Sacrificial Dance, full of changing time patterns, makes a passing reference to Stravinsky’s Danse sacrale, the final section of his wonderful and iconic Le Sacre du Printemps.
Contents
Ritual/Pastorale
Fertility Dance
Ghost Song
Sacrificial Dance
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