Works

SAMBA SPIRITS for orchestra (2014)

SAMBA SPIRITS (2014) - 4'

333(1Eb)2/4331/timp/4 perc/str

Commissioned by the San Antonio Symphony

Like many of my compositions, Samba Spirits is influenced by natural sounds, infused with the kinetic syncopated rhythms of jazz, rock and world musics. This upbeat orchestral prelude features a trio of Brazilian rhythms: the Samba, Baião (3+3+2 feel) and a hint of the Bossa Nova. With minimalist textures in a neo-classic setting, the sonic design of the work includes frequent 7th, 9th and 13th chords interspersed with modal passages. Both of these elements can be found in Impressionist music as well as modern jazz. The melodic gestures are often presented “in harmony” at the interval of the 7th or 9th, creating a sonic halo around the primary melody. A contrasting section with a rising stretto passage in the strings (employing the dissonant half step / whole step scale) divides the more consonant pandiatonic gestures which permeate the work. Orchestral color is enhanced by the use of Latin percussion instruments including the maracas, timbales, marimba and guiro.

Samba Spirits was premiered by the San Antonio Symphony, conducted by Daniel Raiskin on March 20, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas.

Publisher: Keiser Southern Music
iEmail: info@laurenkeisermusic.com