TOUCH 2024
Danza de Jalisco
Composed by: Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Performers:
Kelly Amanda
Zheng Yilin
Programme notes:
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was an American composer and conductor of the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Copland was the youngest of five siblings. A natural composer, Copland started writing when he was only eight years old. His compositional talent then continued to develop when his formal training began in 1914, under the tutelage of Leopold Wolfsohn. Gradually, as he took inspiration from contemporary composers such as Debussy, Ravel and Scriabin, he left for Europe to further his studies. After he enrolled in the Summer School of Music for American Students at Fontainebleau, he published his first composition. A visit to Mexico in 1932 would spark his strong continuing interest in Latin-American music. In 1952, he composed Danza de Jalisco for the chamber orchestra as part of `Three Latin American Sketches’, which was later arranged for two pianos in 1963.
Danza de Jalisco (Dance of Jalisco) is a vibrant and rhythmic composition reflecting the joyous and celebratory nature of Mexican folk culture. Inspired by the lively music and colourful dance tradition of Jalisco, a state in western Mexico, the piece opens with bouncy ascending and descending scales passed between the two pianos as they engage in a playful dialogue. The shifting meter of the piece creates a playful and upbeat mood, a common characteristic of dances within this province. The use of syncopation (playing off-beat) and hemiolas (different rhythmic subdivisions played simultaneously) adds rich layers of rhythmic complexity that mimic the footwork of traditional Jalisco dances, invoking the festive atmosphere of Mexican folk music. Midway through the piece, the mood shifts, as the music enters a slower, more lyrical section. This juxtaposition creates a short reprieve from the previous upbeat, energetic melody. As Copland continues exploring the melodic beauty of Mexican folk tunes, he balances their energy and expressiveness musically while providing a moment of reflection and rest. Drawing the piece to a close, the music returns to exuberant dance elements, concluding with strong, colourful percussive elements played by both pianos in unison. An energetic climax mimics the grand finale of a traditional Jalisco dance performance.
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