Date 2023/Jul/02
Performer(s)
QCContemporâneo
António Ramos e Clara Dias (violins), Diana Antunes (viola), Rogério Peixinho (cello)
Venue Monographic Museum of Conímbriga
Town Condeixa-a-Velha
Country Portugal
Notes
Ritornello Cultural Association project
Acácia de Ninhos,
Azinheira de Silêncio,
Bailações sob a Olaia,
Uma Serpente na Yuca,
Flor-Medronho,
Sobreiro,
Entre o Vento e a Seara,
Bagas de Zimbro,
Cal Viva,
O Passeio da Rã Negra,
Prelúdio à Sesta das Cigarras are titles that I have given to some of my compositions. I cannot explain them, but they certainly have to do with my experience and relationship with the countryside, in Alentejo.
This is the case with
Acarro — for string quartet. The popular Alentejo term
acarro, which designates the place or gathering of animals — cattle or sheep — under a large tree, usually a holm oak, to protect themselves from the heat or rain, has always interested and intrigued me. I've wanted to compose a piece 'inspired' by this instinctive behavior of animals for many years, which is surprising!
Acarro does not intend to, nor can it 'translate' the physical energy of the movement of the animals, nor their voices, nor the very stillness of the gathering; but it can, sometimes even in a humorous way, appeal to the imagination of performers and their listeners…
Amílcar Vasques-Dias
