The Rainmakers - A Tropical Journey in Percussion and Steel
Dual Compact Disc for educators, musicians and students.
The Rainmakers has had many descriptions since it was
first performed last year. The 45-minute stage production integrates
dance, drama, and Trinidadian Carnival characters into the musical
format.
On the first disc Alfred Aguiton narrates the story of Franka
Hills Headley's The Rainmakers. The nine-piece neo-classical
symphonic suite was written by Dr. Jeannine Remy for steel orchestra
and percussion ensemble.
The music is played by both Golden Hands Steel Orchestra and the
UWI Percussion Ensemble in various combinations, throughout the
performance.
The Rainmakers has been called "an exceptional original work".
Its music is a programmatic suite of nine compositions that comprise
five steelband ensemble pieces with light percussion accompaniment;
two solos; one quartet; and one piece that combines a large
percussion ensemble with the steelband. Its operatic flair is
consistent through to the ending performance. But that one is more
in the familiar carnival mode in name and nature - Chip in de Rain.
The others speak for themselves, too: The King of Drought, The
Thirsty Earth, The Song of The Rainmaker, The Unveiling of The
Rainmakers, The Little Cloud, The Burst from Heaven, The Coronation
of The King of Rains, and The Renewal.
The Rainmakers had its international debut at the 2008 Percussive
Arts Society convention in Texas . Professor Gary Cook, President of
the Society acclaimed the performance as "a highlight of our
convention and [that] my personal witnessing of this amazing
production was both moving and inspiring."
The second disc of digital files contains the musical scores and
other useful information for educators, musicians and students.
Full scores are available in two different formats for listening
and viewing. Sibelius v5.2 and above, permits both formats. A print
friendly version of the full score in PDF format is provided also.
An example is shown in "The Burst from Heaven" for each instrument.
- Tenor
- Double/Tenor/Double seconds I
- Double Seconds II
- Cello/Guitar
- Bass
- Bells/Glockenspiel
- Xylophone
- Vibraphone
- Top marimba
- Low marimba
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum & whip
- Thundersheet
- Cymbals
- Gongs
- Timpani
[eCarohRon - May 2009] |