3(II=picc,III=afl).3(III=corA).3(II=Ebcl,III=bcl).3(III=dbn)-4.3(III=picc).3(III=btrbn).1-timp.perc(3):crot/wind.chimes/crash.cym/djembe/BD/xyl;tamb/gong/chromatic.gongs/glsp/marimba;SD/cym/tam-t/t.bells/vib-hp-cel(=pft)-strings
Abkürzungsverzeichnis (PDF)
Sikorski
The Harmattan is a cold and dry, tropical winter wind blowing from the Sahara towards the Gulf of Guinea. It lifts so much Saharan dust into the air that the sky sometimes darkens into "Harmattan Haze" and the temperature in Africa can drop to Nordic levels. I first encountered the Harmattan years ago while in an art residency in Benin, West Africa.
Harmattan is a concert overture lasting about 13 minutes, composed for a large symphony orchestra. Just as the wind rises from nowhere, the music begins quietly before striking with full force. After gathering strength for a moment, the Harmattan whips up an intense sandstorm, leading to a flurry of excitement and danger, before the wind subsides and the music fades into silence.
The air is left shimmering with anticipation for what is to come – isn't that also the role of an opening number in a concert?
Osmo Tapio Räihälä, 2024