(2010)
Aldeias, literally meaning “villages” in Portuguese, describes a day of festivities in a Portuguese village. The work is written for a group of soloists (brass quintet) that is featured “against” the rest of the ensemble representing crowds in the streets. This work is divided into five episodes each representing a specific moment or ritual:
Alvorada, depicts the rising of the sun and the announcing of the beginning of the festivities. Calls from far away appear and disappear increasing the expectation of a special day; Arruada, a fast and energetic movement describes the marching of a local band while collecting gifts for the saint of the day. Here, meter changes are accented by the whole ensemble as an answer to the rustic motives played by soloists; Missa, is a solemn movement that portrays the calls for prayer. Bells are being played at the local church and as we approach we can hear an organ depicted by the dense chorale- like textures that built to include the entire brass ensemble. Other musical elements suggest the spatial differences between the goings-on inside and outside the church; Procissão, usually the high point of the day, combines both sacred and secular elements. As we depart from the church we are once again reunited with the crowds gathered outside in the village streets. Several elements from previous movements overlap and drive towards the final movement, which is played attaca.