African Ritual

Rituals, whether to do with religious, magical or amorous aspects, have always aroused the attention and interest of composers, for whom they are an immense and fascinating source of inspiration and mystery. One famous example is the "Rite of Spring", the celebrated ballet by Igor Stravinskij, in which a cruel barbaric ritual is performed to celebrate the magic of spring. There are many other such examples in the musical literature, including various compositions for symphonic band. In composing this piece, Giuseppe Calvino drew inspiration from the various types of rituals, especially African, in which a remarkable variety of percussion instruments beat the time of the dance rhythms, each instrument regarded as possessing poignant magical powers. The work starts with a slow introduction portraying the darkness of the night and preparations for the ceremony. It continues with a frantic group ritual leading up to the dramatic moment of the sacrifice. This marks the beginning of a frenzied dance in a crescendo of excitement, eventually breaking into the powerful solo by the percussion instruments that announces the final stage of the ritual.