Composer

:

Simon Holt

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1981

Average_duration

:

9:41

Maïastra is a contemporary orchestral work composed by Simon Holt in 2004. The piece was premiered on 17th June 2004 at the Barbican Centre in London by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Harding. The work is inspired by the Romanian folk music and culture, particularly the Maïastra, a mythical bird in Romanian folklore that is said to possess magical powers. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the Maïastra myth. The first movement, titled "The Flight of the Maïastra," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that captures the bird's flight through the sky. The music is characterized by rapid, fluttering motifs in the strings and woodwinds, punctuated by bursts of brass and percussion. The second movement, "The Song of the Maïastra," is a slower and more lyrical piece that focuses on the bird's song. The music is characterized by haunting melodies in the strings and woodwinds, accompanied by shimmering percussion and harp. The overall effect is one of otherworldly beauty and mystery. The final movement, "The Dance of the Maïastra," is a lively and rhythmic piece that captures the bird's dance. The music is characterized by driving rhythms in the percussion and brass, punctuated by playful melodies in the woodwinds and strings. The overall effect is one of joy and celebration. Throughout the piece, Holt incorporates elements of Romanian folk music, including traditional melodies, rhythms, and instruments. He also uses extended techniques to create unusual sounds and textures, such as flutter-tonguing in the woodwinds and glissandi in the strings. The result is a rich and evocative work that captures the spirit of Romanian folklore and the mythical Maïastra bird.

More....