Cirandadas, Clássicas Cantigas

(For Piano, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Voice & Percussion) 2010

" a vibrant, gear-shifting fantasy on Brazilian melodies and dance rhythms. Ms. Assad, a charismatic singer, led the ensemble, with support from Keita Ogawa, a percussionist clearly versed in the nuances of the styles Ms. Assad touched on." The New York Times

Duration: Approx. 12 minutes
Commissioned by the American Composers Alliance, premiered by NY based Kolot ensemble, Clarice Assad (voice) & Keita Ogawa, percussion. A collection of Brazilian folk melodies and songs.

"CIRANDADA" is a word play on the term "CIRANDA" which is a type of music and dance form from the Northeastern part of Brazil. "CIRANDA" is also characterized by the formation of a small or large circle of people, who gather to perform this music by singing, playing and dancing. The folk music of Brazil is also largely associated with children, for its simplistic and playful nature. They may have nursery rhymes, or may be related to fun and games such as tongue-twisters, and occasionally, have spooky characteristics.
LAUNCH VIDEO

Quebra-Queixo

(For Piano & Guitar) 2008

"... pleasantly frenzied with much syncopation to stir the soul. " Sue Langenberg |Rockford Register Star

Duration: Approx. 5 minutes
ABOUT QUEBRA-QUEIXO:

Commissioned by the Donkin-Trépanier duo, this one movement work combines the richness of Brazilian rhythms with the colorful harmonies of jazz in a fast paced and exciting way. Quebra-Queixo ("Jawbreaker") is a challenging, yet rewarding piece to play. A fine addition to the piano-guitar repertoire.

GET SCORE

Audio Coming Soon

Pole To Pole

(For Mixed Ensemble) 2007

Commissioned by the Cube Ensemble

POLE TO POLE

Duration: 10 minutes
Instrumentation: Winds, piano and 2 percussionists

Echoes of Cuban, Brazilian, Argentine and Mexican music to name a few...And a healthy dosage of North American jazz.

O CURUPIRA

(For Percussion Quartet)

Duration: 12 minutes
Commissioned by the ETHOS PERCUSSION GROUP

Program Notes

SONG FOR MY FATHER

(For Mandolin Orchestra) 2005

Duration: Approx. 5 minutes
Commissioned by the Providence Mandolin Orchestra

Read Program Notes

SONG FOR MY FATHER

Song For My Father is published by Trekel, Germany. There is also another arranged version of this piece, which was recorded by Sheila Zagury (piano) and Daniela Spielman (sax) which is only available in Brazil. This piece is based on a Brazilian style of music called “chorinho” and I wrote it as an homage to my father and grandfather, since this type of music is the reason why all of us of the Assad family play any music at all.

THREE SKETCHES

(For Two Guitars & Violin) 2004

Duration: 10 minutes

I. AD LIB

II. ANIMA

III. ELECTRIFIED!

SYMMETRIES

(For Saxophone & Piano) 2002 in 6 movements

Duration: Approx.20 minutes

MOV. III: TIME

THE LEGEND OF YARA

(For Mixed Ensemble & sound effects)
2002

THE LEGEND OF YARA

According to the origin of this legend, Yara, was a young native Brazilian woman who was loved and praised for her extreme beauty. Yara did not like the company of humans and much preferred to be among animals and nature. She loved a particular spot by the Amazon river, far away from prying eyes of her people and all mankind. One day, Yara had the misfortune of being severely assaulted by violent men who spoke a foreign language and wore heavy, dirty clothing. Upon her death, these aggressive men threw her lifeless body into the bottom of the river. Her violent death is believed to have been witnessed by Tupa, the God of the natives. Tupa felt deeply sorry for Yara's fate and gave her a new life, but this time, in the body of a mermaid.

THE IMPERIAL CITY

(For Clarinet, Violin, Cello & Piano) 2001

THE IMPERIAL CITY

Duration: Approx.12 minutes

LARANJA

(For Piano & Clarinet) 2001

Commissioned by Wagner Campos & Roderick Ferguson

LARANJA

“LARANJA” is the portuguese word for the color “ORANGE” and this piece was a result of my inspiration with particular emotions that different colors evoke in our moods.

Before I began thinking about this piece and giving it structure,, I decided to stare at the color for as long as possible, or even close my eyes and imagine it in my mind. After staring at it long enough, the vibrancy of this powerful color literally made me instantly more energetic. I “heard” playfulness, bounciness and rhythmic excitement and that became the foundation of this work.

FLUTUANTE

(For Guitar & Clarinet) 1998

Velho Retrato (Flutuante)
Sergio Assad (guitar)
Gabriele Mirabassi (clarinet)

FLUTUANTE

Duration: Approx.7 minutes