Dolor
Sarai J.O.
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This piece is an exploration of combining multiple genres together. I manipulated the instrumentation, and form of this piece to combine the genres of Mariachi, Cumbia, and Western Classical music. The instrumentation in this piece is abstract compared to a conventional chamber ensemble instrumentation. This was executed purposely in order to combine multiple sounds from different genres. For example, electric bass guitar is heavily used in other genres such as Chrisitian worship and cumbias. I also included accordion in place of a typical bassoon in a conventional orchestra. In terms of the form I was targeting an A-B-A-C-B-A-C-A idea. In part C, I incorporated the presence of a secondary dominant transition intentionally to bring the piece to a high peek, especially with the help of dynamics. This also created a tension that helped part A in the end stand out as the resolution or return to the tonic and original key. I titled this piece "Dolor" which in Spanish means "Pain." This was originally made for a performance with an ensemble, as part of show that was intended to bring the Latino community and culture to life. However, I gave it this title because I created this piece after pondering how it is really unfair that in the U.S.’s educational system many genres especially Latin genres are dismissed as “too easy” to learn and they can fall under the umbrella of either classical or jazz music. As a Latina identifying musician, its hurts me to hear this comment in various spaces. I personally disagree with this statement, as I know that in reality each genre has its own techniques and rules and we are currently not giving them enough space to be further developed. This is my form of testimony in music in which I portray hidden genres that many are not aware of because of the systems that often dismiss them.
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Creativity in music helps me express myself without worrying about the limitation of words. As a Latina Christian woman, it has also allowed me to advocate in ways I would have never thought possible. So far, it has reached many people in the communities I currently form a part of in beautiful ways.
