Los Conquistadores
Armando Bayolo
About this work:
Los Conquistadores was born of a need to write a piece in response to my nation’s political stance throughout the world in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It consists of four short symphonic poems based on poetry by the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda from the section titled “Los Conquistadores” in his epic work about the history of the Americas, Canto General. In these poems, Neruda writes about the atrocities committed by the conquering Spaniards during the colonization of the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries. Los Conquistadores, the tone poem, seeks to use these texts as a launching pad for a commentary on the new colonizing spirit that has unfortunately been married to the war on terror. Although pained, these poems, and the music they inspired, end in a hopeful note: in spite of the wrath (“a pesar de la ira”) of war, much good came out of the conquest of America. It is my hope that much good will also come from our efforts around the world and that, after our initial, shocked response, we will find a way to extend a peaceful hand to those who might otherwise hate us and partner with them in vanquishing our common enemies and all those who would conquer us through terror.
Los Conquistadores, begun in 2001 and completed, after a hiatus, in the fall of 2003, is dedicated to the conductor Kenneth Kiesler, who has been a very supportive friend. The work is, as yet, unpremiered.
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 00:12:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion (General), 5 Strings (General)