The Rainmakers – A Tropical Journey in Percussion and Steel
Dual Compact Disc for educators, musicians and students.
The Rainmakers has had many descriptions since it was first performed last year. The 45-minute stage production integrates dance, drama, and Trinidadian Carnival characters into the musical format.
On the first disc Alfred Aguiton narrates the story of Franka Hills Headley’s The Rainmakers. The nine-piece neo-classical symphonic suite was written by Dr. Jeannine Remy for steel orchestra and percussion ensemble.
The music is played by both Golden Hands Steel Orchestra and the UWI Percussion Ensemble in various combinations, throughout the performance.
The Rainmakers has been called “an exceptional original work”. Its music is a programmatic suite of nine compositions that comprise five steelband ensemble pieces with light percussion accompaniment; two solos; one quartet; and one piece that combines a large percussion ensemble with the steelband. Its operatic flair is consistent through to the ending performance. But that one is more in the familiar carnival mode in name and nature – Chip in de Rain.
The others speak for themselves, too: The King of Drought, The Thirsty Earth, The Song of The Rainmaker, The Unveiling of The Rainmakers, The Little Cloud, The Burst from Heaven, The Coronation of The King of Rains, and The Renewal.
The Rainmakers had its international debut at the 2008 Percussive Arts Society convention in Texas . Professor Gary Cook, President of the Society acclaimed the performance as “a highlight of our convention and [that] my personal witnessing of this amazing production was both moving and inspiring.”
The second disc of digital files contains the musical scores and other useful information for educators, musicians and students.
Full scores are available in two different formats for listening and viewing. Sibelius v5.2 and above, permits both formats. A print friendly version of the full score in PDF format is provided also. An example is shown in “The Burst from Heaven” for each instrument.
- Tenor
- Double/Tenor/Double seconds I
- Double Seconds II
- Cello/Guitar
- Bass
- Bells/Glockenspiel
- Xylophone
- Vibraphone
- Top marimba
- Low marimba
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum & whip
- Thundersheet
- Cymbals
- Gongs
- Timpani
[eCarohRon – May 2009]
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