ESCLAVOS

multipercussion solo

Esclavos (Slaves) pursues the idea that we are all slaves to something, regardless of our social situation. With this premise in mind, the dramatic opening theme is composed of metallic sounds suggesting chains.

Meanwhile the main motif is carried on rhythms belonging to musical styles from around the world, alluding to the globality of the concept. 

The central section aims to evoke an ephemeral freedom, through swing and improvisation, as the main motif takes over until the end of the piece.

Rhythmic cells typical of Latin music (such as rumba and katá) appear, as well as swing, flamenco, konnakol, traditional styles including rebolada and charrada, along with polyrhythms and rhythmic treatments typical of African tribal music. 

It is a work written with the intention that the performer should combine the tuned instruments with the percussive instruments, emphasising the main theme over the rhythmic transitions.