Undesired ritual (2022) - 9’

commissioned by Art Percussion Ensemble

Programme notes

This piece is inspired by the catastrophe of climate change, and by the idea that we all are victims of ourselves, hopelessly. The first and last section of the piece portray a healthy nature, peacefully swarming: what we should have preserved. In the middle section, the narration concentrates itself on man, on a ritual inspired by ancient times. A sinless sacrificial victim is chosen (one of us, you) and killed at the end of a savage dance: not for religion or a supernatural belief, as it was ancestrally, but merely for the masochistic power and wealth obsession.

Instrumentation

Percussion 1: Vibraphone, 2 Congas, 2 Bongos, 5 Tom-toms, Gran cassa.
Percussion 2: Crotali (2 octaves), 3 Singing bowls or Dobachi (approximate pitches: E3, A3, D#4), 2 Timpani (26’’, 29’’), Triangle (big), Wind chimes. Percussion 3: Xylophone, Glockenspiel, 3 Tam-tams, 3 Cymbals, Side drum.
Percussion 4: Marimba (5 octaves), Snare drum.
Percussion 5: 3 high Wood blocks, Tambourine, 2 rocks, a big basin of water, a tall glass, a big sponge, a strainer with small holes.

Premiere

01/09/22, Lavarone (Italy). Performers: Art Percussion Ensemble (dir: Massimo Pastore).