Conductor: Cristi Macelaru

BAIAO N’ BLUES

Duration: 9 minutes

Program Notes: 

“Baião ‘N’ Blues” is an orchestral composition celebrating the vibrant fusion of two diverse musical worlds. Inspired by Brazilian music’s lively rhythms and infused with American blues’ soulful essence, the piece explores cross-cultural musical influences. Juxtaposing Brazilian themes with bluesy inflections, the composition presents a seamless and delightful blend of harmonious colors. Throughout the orchestral journey, a sense of lightness and humor permeates the musical landscape, inviting the audience to engage in a spirited dialogue. Commissioned by KMFA for the University of Texas Orchestra under conductor Douglas Kinney Frost, “Baião ‘N’ Blues” showcases the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people through the art of listening.

Instrumentation: 

Flute (2) Oboe (2) Bb Clarinet (2) Bassoon (2)

Horn in F (4) Bb pt (3) Trombone (2) Bass Trombone Tuba

Timpani Percussion (2)** Strings

Percussion 1:

• Tubular bells
• Large Bass Drum
• Marimba
• Cabasa
• Vibraphone (shared with Percussion 2)
• Agogos
• Xylophone

Percussion 2:

• Snare drum
• Suspended cymbal
• Sizzle cymbal
• Crotales
• Tam Tam
• Ride cymbal
• Hi-hat
• Shaker
• Caxixi