Tres Mitos de Mi Tierra (2009)

Composer note
The lyrics and music of Tres Mitos de mi Tierra (Three Myths of my Land), while completely original, draw direct inspiration from the mountain cultures of Perú, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Frequently referred to as “singing mountaineers,” the people of the Andes enjoy a contemporary artistic expression that still carries the overtones of their Inca and pre-Inca past. The rhythms of Tres mitos suggest traditional dance, while melodies and harmonies evoke tunings of panpipes and guitar-like instruments. Vocal techniques such as glissandi and brief inhaled passages reference typical singing practices, and the lyrics follow a strophic declamatory style commonly encountered in Andean poetry.

As “myths,” each of these three songs is longer than a traditional folk song. One could consequently imagine these as either concert works or as the backdrop to a mini-ballet setting the scene to the texts. The songs are also designed to work together as a set or as stand-alones.

— Gabriela Lena Frank