Composer

:

Leonardo Balada

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

35:48

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"María Sabina" is a symphonic work composed by the Spanish composer Leonardo Balada. The piece was composed in 1976 and premiered on March 17, 1977, by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antoni Ros-Marbà. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by the life and experiences of the Mexican shaman María Sabina. The first movement, titled "The Vision," is a depiction of Sabina's experiences with the sacred mushroom, which she believed allowed her to communicate with the divine. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of unease and otherworldliness. The second movement, titled "The Dance," is a lively and rhythmic depiction of the traditional dances that Sabina performed during her ceremonies. The movement features a prominent use of percussion, including maracas, tambourines, and bongos, which give the music a distinctly Latin American flavor. The final movement, titled "The Chant," is a slow and meditative piece that reflects Sabina's belief in the power of chanting and singing to connect with the spiritual realm. The movement features a solo soprano voice, which sings a text inspired by Sabina's own words. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a sense of quiet contemplation. Overall, "María Sabina" is a powerful and evocative work that draws on the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the experiences of one of its most revered spiritual figures. Balada's use of dissonance, irregular rhythms, and unconventional instrumentation creates a sense of mystery and otherworldliness that captures the essence of Sabina's visionary experiences.

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