While the lyrics for this piece are based on traditional chants from the Kalinga region of the Philippines, the diverse and energetic music is an original. Each section has its own unique rhythm that builds through a series of interlocking chants to the climactic finish.
Eight Part Mixed Choruso
Audio Credit: Performed by ONE Chamber Ensemble – Ai Hooi Lim, Conductor
Listen to music sample:
Joe Vee – :
very cool . . . bravo
David Harris – :
This is a fun piece, tuneful, and rhythmically enticing. With aural references to Filipino folk music, it offers Western ears a chance to explore different textures, and to dig into body percussion, which is always a nice thing. The nature of some of the technical challenges is the only reason I avoided giving it five stars. The divisi and harmonic language at the beginning takes focus, and the rhythmic ostinati throughout the last 2/3 of the piece represent the kinds of challenges that singers struggle with most of all. Professional and upper-level collegiate and high school groups will find it an experience worth digging their teeth into. If you were to want to perform it with groups of varied skill levels, I would leave yourself plenty of time, and allow yourself to plan creatively into the rehearsal structure.