Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

Feb 6, 1941

First Performance

:

May 14, 1941

Average_duration

:

6:34

The "Song of Quetzalcoatl" is a composition by American composer Lou Harrison. It was composed in 1987 and premiered on October 17, 1987, by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. The piece is a tribute to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, who was revered as the god of wind, learning, and creativity. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of Quetzalcoatl's character. The first movement, titled "The Serpent," is a slow and meditative piece that evokes the image of a serpent slithering through the jungle. The second movement, titled "The Priest," is a lively and rhythmic piece that represents the religious aspect of Quetzalcoatl's character. The third movement, titled "The Feathered Serpent," is a fast and energetic piece that represents the god's association with wind and flight. The "Song of Quetzalcoatl" is characterized by its use of non-Western instruments, including the Mexican maracas, the Chinese gong, and the Japanese shakuhachi flute. The piece also features a large percussion section, which includes a variety of drums, bells, and cymbals. The use of these instruments gives the composition a unique and exotic sound that is unlike anything heard in traditional Western classical music. Overall, the "Song of Quetzalcoatl" is a powerful and evocative tribute to one of the most important gods in Aztec mythology. Its use of non-Western instruments and its incorporation of Aztec themes and imagery make it a truly unique and memorable composition.

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