Composer

:

Christopher Rouse

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

4:23

'Ogoun Badagris' is a composition by American composer Christopher Rouse. It was composed in 1993 and premiered on March 4, 1994, by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Zinman. The piece is a part of Rouse's cycle of percussion concertos, which includes 'Der Gerettete Alberich' and 'Ku-Ka-Ilimoku.' 'Ogoun Badagris' is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including a battery of percussion instruments, such as marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel, and various drums. The title of the piece refers to the Haitian god of war, Ogoun, and the Badagris, a group of African slaves who rebelled against their French masters in the early 19th century. The piece begins with a slow, ominous introduction, featuring low brass and percussion. The percussion section gradually builds in intensity, leading to a fast and frenzied section that features a virtuosic marimba solo. The soloist is accompanied by the orchestra, which provides a driving, rhythmic pulse. The music is characterized by complex rhythms and intricate interplay between the percussion instruments. As the piece progresses, the music becomes more and more intense, with the percussion section driving the music forward. The marimba solo returns, this time accompanied by a solo trumpet, before the music builds to a frenzied climax. The piece ends with a brief coda, featuring a solo snare drum. Overall, 'Ogoun Badagris' is a powerful and intense work that showcases Rouse's skill as a composer of percussion music. The piece is characterized by its complex rhythms, intricate interplay between the percussion instruments, and driving, rhythmic pulse. It is a challenging work for both the soloist and the orchestra, requiring precision and virtuosity from all performers.

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