Composer

:

Gabriela Lena Frank

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2001

Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout is a composition by Gabriela Lena Frank, a contemporary American composer of Peruvian and Jewish descent. The piece was composed in 2001 and premiered in 2002 by the San Francisco Symphony. The composition is divided into six movements, each inspired by a different Andean legend or myth. The first movement, "Ghost of the Andes," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Tarqueada," is a lively and rhythmic dance that features the charango, a small Andean stringed instrument. The third movement, "Himno de Zampoñas," is a solemn and majestic piece that showcases the zampoñas, a type of Andean panpipe. The fourth movement, "Canto de Harawi," is a lyrical and expressive piece that features the voice of a soprano soloist. The fifth movement, "Carnavalito," is a festive and energetic dance that incorporates elements of traditional Andean music. The final movement, "Juegos," is a playful and virtuosic piece that showcases the technical abilities of the performers. Throughout the composition, Frank incorporates elements of Andean folk music, such as the use of traditional instruments and rhythms, as well as indigenous languages and myths. The piece also incorporates elements of Western classical music, such as the use of a symphony orchestra and a soloist. Overall, Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout is a unique and innovative composition that blends elements of Andean folk music and Western classical music. It showcases Frank's skill as a composer and her ability to bridge cultural divides through music.

More....