Composer

:

Obo Addy

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

4:50

'Wawshishijay for vocals, Donno, Brekete, Pretia, Gidi & Aketse Our Beginning' is a musical composition by the renowned Ghanaian drummer and composer, Obo Addy. The piece was composed in 1996 and premiered the same year at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The composition consists of six movements, each featuring a different traditional African instrument. The first movement, 'Wawshishijay,' is performed by vocals and is a call to the spirits to bless the performance. The second movement, 'Donno,' features the donno drum, a traditional Ghanaian instrument, and is characterized by its driving rhythms and intricate polyrhythms. The third movement, 'Brekete,' features the brekete drum, another traditional Ghanaian instrument, and is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms and complex syncopation. The fourth movement, 'Pretia,' features the pretia, a type of xylophone, and is characterized by its bright, melodic tones and intricate rhythms. The fifth movement, 'Gidi,' features the gidi, a type of fiddle, and is characterized by its haunting melodies and intricate ornamentation. The final movement, 'Aketse Our Beginning,' features the aketse, a type of bell, and is a celebratory piece that brings the composition to a joyful conclusion. Overall, 'Wawshishijay for vocals, Donno, Brekete, Pretia, Gidi & Aketse Our Beginning' is a vibrant and dynamic composition that showcases the rich musical traditions of Ghana. Obo Addy's masterful composition and the virtuosic performances of the musicians make this piece a true masterpiece of African music.

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