Pachamama

Presentation History:
Premiere: Cerberus Percussion Group, Decatur, GA 9/17/10.
- Cerberus Percussion Group, Atlanta, GA 11/19/10
- Cerberus Percussion Group, Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA) 2/8/11
- Cerberus Percussion Group, Gainesville, FL 2/19/11

The form of Pachamama was shaped by a Magic Square. The numbers in the square controlled the length of time that each player would play a certain instrument, rhythm, or dynamic. This seemingly arbitrary method created a relatively solid nine-part form, largely articulated sthrough the entrances of new instruments. Each player has four instruments, in the following categories: melodic, percussive-drum, percussive-other, and atmospheric/textural. The instruments were chosen in order to evoke sounds of forests and primitive rituals. The title refers to a fertility goddess in the mythology of ancient Andean cultures (including the Inca), whose name loosely translates to "Mother Earth."

Pachamama was written for Cerberus Trio.

Score

Video of the premiere:


Another recording from Cerberus: Pachamama by adamscottneal