Tembandumba (for SSAA choir)
(2009)for SSAA children's choir and claves
Duration: 8'
Music Text
Luis Palés Matos and Pucho Escalante (S)
Abbreviations (PDF)
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes
for the world.
World Premiere
24/04/2010
Kaufmann Concert Hall, New York, NY
Young People's Chorus Of NYC
Programme Note
My vocal work Tembandumba was created for the magnificent
Young people’s Chorus of New York City, as requested by its
director Franciscco Núñez. The title is inspired by “Tembandumba
de la Quimbamba”, the main character of the poem Majestad
Negra, (Black Majesty) by Puerto Rican poet Luis Pales Matos.
Two soloists–Soprano and Alto–, plus a pair of Cuban claves add
contrast and color to the choir; and although I used some extralyrics
and onomatopoeic sounds for rhythmic effects, the beautiful
poetry of the Porto Rican Maestro stays intact in all its grace and
glory.
This is my humble musical tribute to the master poet from
Borinquen.
-Paquito D’Rivera
January 21, 2010
