Raíces
symphonic poem for marimba and orchestra
Originally written for marimba and orchestra in 2006, this composition highlights various Andean rhythms and melds them into a symphonic poem that narrates the story of indigenous identity.
The marimba employs a variety of technical resources for the execution of four-mallet techniques. Its tonal language, imbued with feeling and tradition, renders the work fresh, special, and magical for both the performer and the listener.
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MARIMBA & ORCHESTRA
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Synopsis
"Raíces" is a symphonic poem based on the stanzas of "Impresiones Indígenas", a poem written by the composer himself. Its structure is divided into three sections, each consisting of two movements, following a defined scheme of slow and fast tempos.
Amanecer Andino
Rubato: The marimba is faintly heard describing the first rays of the sun, emerging from the Andean highlands. The orchestra then accompanies the morning, which discreetly awakens its inhabitants in the Andean highlands:
"My land awakens, dawn breaks over the Andes.
I see Chimborazo and the Illinizas,
the wind caresses me with its pale breeze,
and I awaken over the expectant field"
Allegro (fox incaico): An ancestral rhythm, marked by the chagchas and bombo, sets the tone for the daily routine of a pre-Hispanic people. The scene unfolds with the preparation for crops, breakfast, and the disposition to work. The elders' prayer. Everything follows its usual course, each thing in its place and time... until foreign winds disrupt the peace, bearing the ominous essence of conquest. The sound of firearms echoes, and the indigenous voice is subdued by a new, unknown, and terrifying power:
"To the sound of our ancestors, we meet,
cultivating our essence in the serene field.
Something approaches, and it's not good...
Something echoes, hurts... we accept"
Recuerdo y Danza Indígena
Adagio (danzante): The tragic call, set to the rhythm of the danzante, tells the story of lamentation and remembrance for what has been lost: our loved ones, traditions, wealth...:
"My people bleed, my memories bleed.
They get lost in my memory, and the defenseless ones cling
to our identity, our dead.
Those who remain alive, those who are uncertain"
Poco mosso (danza): The transmutation of cultures and the assimilation of a new religion. The miscegenation unfolds to the rhythm of a dance that contrasts in intensity. The orchestra assumes the role of proposing change, while the marimba assumes the role of the indigenous person, who accepts their new, mestizo destiny:
"New winds envelop my future,
I feel strange in my own land.
I close my eyes as it begins,
I open my eyes... and I continue in chiaroscuro"
Marimba Cadenza
Recapitulates the themes and develops specific motifs from the work. The soloist's virtuosity is put to the test, while recalling the conceptual idea of "Raíces". Now, a new era has arrived, that of our time...
Identidad
Adagio melancolico (balada): The marimba presents a passionate theme. It describes a new conception of our reality, of our mestizaje. An introduction to a wider and more diverse world that offers the new, in exchange for memory:
"A new reality distracts my truth.
Everything changes, and I change along with them.
Will my memory fade away in flashes?
Will I have forgotten my self, my identity?"
Vivace molto animato (yumbo): Energetic and emotive. Passionate and motivated. The final scene recreates our human essence. We have adapted to the new world, but we have not forgotten our origins: who we are. And we have not forgotten our people, ourselves, our roots:
"My heart beats to the rhythm of the yumbo.
I feel, I dream, I persevere, and I enjoy.
I see myself, stoic and naked,
for my heart beats to the rhythm of the yumbo."
Versions
Marimba and Symphony Orchestra: This is the original version of "Raíces", written in 2006. The orchestration was revised in 2019 and finalized in 2024. Dedicated to my mother Ligia, my father Marco, and my brother Israel.
Instrumentation: marimba solo, piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 B-flat clarinets, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 2 B-flat trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (glockenspiel, chimes, piatti, susp. cymbal, tam-tam, snare drum, gran cassa, andean bass drum, chagchas and triangle) harp and string orchestra
I) AMANECER ANDINO
Andean Dawn
II) RECUERDO Y DANZA DEL INDIO
Memory and Indigenous Dance
III) IDENTIDAD
Identity
I) AMANECER ANDINO
Andean Dawn
II) RECUERDO Y DANZA DEL INDIO
Memory and Indigenous Dance
III) IDENTIDAD
Identity
Marimba and Percussion Ensemble: Version written in 2021 and revised in 2024. Its instrumentation is based on the sonic conception found in the works by percussionist and composer Ney Rosauro, to whom this version is dedicated.
Instrumentation: marimba solo, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, chimes, marimba, contrabass, timpani(5), percussion1 (crash cymbal, china cymbal, snare drum, tam-tam) percussion2 (chajchas, andean bass drum) percussion3 (gran cassa, triangle).
Marimba and Piano: Version written in 2006, along with the symphonic orchestra version. It is a piano reduction of the general score. Additionally, it consists of two alternative versions: marimba (five octaves) and piano, and marimba (4.3 octaves) and piano. The marimba solo part can be used for the symphonic and percussion ensemble versions.
Approximate duration: 22 minutes