| Instrumentation |
Celesta, Flute, Flute piccolo, Clarinet, Bassoon, Oboe, Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double bass, Snare drum, Triangle, Timpani, Vibraphone, Cymbals, Bass drum |
| Description |
A symphonic movement commissioned by the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and dedicated to the memory of Ellie Scott, a close friend of the orchestra, whose spirited appearance in New Mexico showered the arts with energies that will live indefinitely.
Fajada Butte is a column of rock at Chaco Canyon, in northwestern New Mexico. On top is an amazing sun-shrine. More than just an observatory, the butte must have been regarded as a temple, perhaps for the “meeting” of earth and sky. For 300 years, this was the “center” for an amazing civilization of people who celebrated life and light, and who found themselves in vibrant harmony with their cosmos. The Anasazi vanished. The vibrant harmony remains.
The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Yoshimi Takeda, premiered the work in March of 1983. It was later performed by the National Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Carl Topilow, in Kennedy Center for the twentieth anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. It was recorded by the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer, on the compact disc, “Enchanted Land,” https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/mauldin and by the Kiev Philharmonic, conducted by Robert Ian Winstin, on Volume 9 of the Masterworks of the New Era produced by ERM Media.
Review: "Mauldin's work is in no way derivative. His sound is distinct throughout, and his music is vital for this reason and also for the way he goes about working his musical material." –ALBUQUERQUE TRIBUNE
Review: "Mauldin makes thorough use of his impressive instrumental palette, with a delightful emphasis on percussive instruments, notably the celesta, chimes and touches of a snare drum.” –NEW MEXICO SUN
The complete track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-pxMFLtd34
Licensed by ASCAP #361588098 |