5F26A7B6-2E58-45B7-9384-2834E0601E7A

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ID5F26A7B6-2E58-45B7-9384-2834E0601E7A
TitlecodeR01125
Title NamePataruco: Concerto for Maracas and Orchestra
Marketing CopyThe only concerto of its kind, Pataruco showcases the style of maraca playing found only in the folk music of Venezuela and Columbia. Versions for orchestra and wind symphony are available from the publisher.
InstrumentationMaracas Solo: 2.2.2.2: 2.2 +BTbn.0: Timp.Percussion.Hp: Str
Commission(not set)
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Program NotesPataruco was composed for percussionist Ed Harrison, one of the leading exponents of maracas technique. The solo part showcases Harrison's specialty, the style of maraca playing found only in the folk music of Venezuela and Columbia. In their original context, the virtuosic gestures performed by the maracas are never notated. They are transmitted aurally. Devising a system to notate this performance practice presents a serious challenge to the composer as well as to the performer; it can become an obstacle rather than an aid to express the subtle nuances of his arcane performance style. After consulting with Ed Harrison, and after studying Javier Alvarez's Temazcal, the only other score I know to incorporate this specific performance technique, I decided to approach the maracas part by notating the resulting rhythmic patterns rather than by notating the intricate mechanics that must take place in order to create the desired effect (as in the case of Alvarez's Temazcal). Therefore, the solo part is meant to be performed by percussionists experienced in this particular style of maracas technique and it will make sense only to such percussionists. It must also be noted that dynamic markings in the maracas part to not indicate different volume levels in the traditional sense. Instead, they indicate different intensity of articulation, like in the case of harpsichord notation, in addition to different orientations of the maracas in space.--RicardoLorenz
Title Brand2
Year Composed1999
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration15
Ensemble Size13
Date Created2008-10-31 20:31:59.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:31:59
Inhouse Note(not set)
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Text Author(not set)
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Recording CreditsRecorded by Ed Harris, Maracas with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Paul Freeman, Conductor; LOR Records LOR010826.
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Title Category7
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Title Instrument Category TextFull Orchestra
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Title Sub Category92
Title Instrument Header41
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Clean Urlpataruco-concerto-for-maracas-and-orchestra-r01125