Itaipú
A symphonic portrait for chorus and orchestra in four movements
38′
Music by Philip Glass.
CAST:
SATB chorus; 2.pic.3.3.2.dbsn/ 6.4.2.btrb.1/ 4 perc (SD, TD, BD, tamb, t.bells, cow bells, maracas, tgl, wdbl, cym)/ 2hp/ pf/ str
COMMISSION:
Commissioned anonymously for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
PREMIERE:
November 2, 1989 by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Shaw
SYNOPSIS:
A Symphonic portrait for Chorus and Orchestra in four movements: Mato Grosso – The Lake – The Dam – To the Sea. Text: Creation myth of the Guarani (sung in traditional Guarani).
NOTES:
Like The Light and The Canyon, Itaipú originated as Glass’ response both to nature and to a modern technological wonder, in this case the massive hydro-electric dam (…) that was then taking shape at Itaip� on the Parana River, which forms the border between Brazil and Paraguay. (…) While the music itself hymns the wonder wrought by nature and by humankind, the exotic text recounts the creation of the world, the actions of the gods and how the first people came to this special place.
— Nick Jones
PUBLISHER:
Dunvagen Music Publishers
Glass / Salonen on RCM
Itaipú/ The Canyon on Sony Masterworks
Obras Maestras / Oeuvres Majeures on Sony