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Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual

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Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith


Contents

General Info

Year: 1994
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $90.00   |  Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute
Oboe (Opt. English Horn)
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet I-II-III
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone I-II
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet (in Bb) I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V-VI-VII-VIII, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Castanets
  • Claves (2 sets)
  • Congas
  • Cowbells
  • Cymbals (crash and suspended)
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Flexatone
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (Tam-tam)
  • Gourd (beaded)
  • Log Drum
  • Marimba
  • Shaker
  • Timpani
  • Tom-Toms (large)
  • Tubular Bells
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

There are several pitch notation errors in the Piccolo part.


Program Notes

Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual is based on the primitive folk music of Western Africa. Inspired by the recording and research of Mr. Stephen Jay, the work features traditional ceremonial music for dance and entertainment as well as dynamic percussive invocations and historical songs.

African musicians feel that they bring life to their instruments just as God gives life to the musician. As a result, individual instruments are believed to possess consciousness and are treated with the same respect and reverence fiven to an honored living person. The drum, the featured section of this work, is considered a sacred object as well as a musical instrument. It is believed to be endowed with a mysterious power which has been incomprehensible to the many missionaries and early travelers on the African continent. As one listens, the mind experiences a wide range of emotions including joy, fear, hope, and grief.

Oya "Primitive Fire" recreates man's conquest of fire. In the beginning of time, man discovered that he could create the illusive poser by striking two flints together. He gathered his sticks and dry leaves and kindled them. The flames begin to rise very slowly, yet steadily building higher and higher into a large writhing body of energy spreading across the horizon. Suddenly, it begins to fade.....slowly....losing life....then the las spark ascends to the heavens and leaves the earth in darkness.

The Ancient Folk Song originates from Ghana, situated in the tropical belt of West Africa. It is a land of lush tropical beaches and rocky lagoons. The peaceful tranquility of this beautiful country was first disturbed by European settlers in the 1500's as Ghana became the center for exporting slaves and gold. As a result, the area became known as the Gold Coast. A secondary melody based on the folk song Marilli weaves throughout the final statement of the original theme.

With thunder and lightening as his weapon, Shango, the God of Thunder revisits the earth. To hearld his return, his devotees chant this invocationary praise. The big and small drums made of hollow trees and the skins of rams resound throughout the night as circles of worshipers dance to a frenzied state. The joyous opening statement returns amid the primal percussion drawing the work to an exhausing conclusion.

Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual was commissioned by and is dedicated to the New Trier High School Band, Winnetka, Illinois, John A. Thomson, Conductor.


Program Note by Robert W. Smith


Commercial Discography

None discovered thus far.


State Ratings

Minnesota: Category I


Recent Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Ohlone Wind Orchesta (Tony Clements, conductor) - 11 March 2012
  • Liverpool High School Concert Band (James R. Dumas, conductor) - 16 May 2012


Additional Works for Winds by this Composer


References



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