Work
Rainforest
for flute and piano
Films, Audio & Samples
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About
The music of Pygmy groups of the rain forests of Central Africa is among the most beguiling of the world's music traditions, with its characteristic melodic leaps, rich polyphonies, and flights of astonishing virtuosity. The ancient Egyptians greatly admired the musicality of the Pygmies, and Pygmy musicians were often attached to the courts of the Pharaohs.
These transcriptions/reinterpretations are based on Simha Arom's recordings of the music of two Pygmy groups, the Aka and the Ba-Benzele. The following notes relate to the original recordings.
Commissioned note
Original version commissioned by FLIGHT (Bridget Douglas and Carolyn Mills) with funding provided by Creative New Zealand.
Contents note
- Hunting Song
- Returning from a Hunt
- Lullaby I (sanza)
- Lament
- Lullaby II
- Children's Games
Performance history
21 Jul 2011: NZSM hosts Douglas and Thomson
15 Jun 2012: Performed by Adrianna Lis (flute) and Sarah Watkins (piano) at St Augustine's Church, in Christchurch.
17 Jun 2012: Performed by Adrianna Lis (flute) and Sarah Watkins (piano) at the Distinction Hotel, in Te Anau.
30 Apr 2014: Performed by Adrianna Lis (flute) and Sarah Watkins (piano) at the Jack Body 70th Year Tribute concert, Music Theatre, Auckland University.