Aukele (The swimmer)
Jerre E. Tanner
About this work:
PROGRAM NOTES
"Aukele (The Swimmer)" (1988) is based on an ancient Hawaiian myth Aukele-Nui-a-Iku (great swimmer son of Iku) is one of the few heroes singled out in Hawaiian mythology for his swimming prowess, a remarkable distinction given by a people who love to swim. In his tone poem Jerré Tanner uses rich rhythms and orchestral harmonies to evoke events in Aukele’s youth. The music begins with a grand brass fanfare, stating Aukele’s heroic theme, then moves to a sparkling, lyrical passage depicting his joy in swimming. As Aukele emerges from the sea his jealous brothers lie in wait and attack him. Aukele defeats them one by one in wrestling, felling each with a single throw. Enraged, his ten brothers all attack him at once. Strong hula rhythms for percussion instruments describe this dramatic conflict. The passage ends with Aukele being beaten mercilessly and cast into a deep pit which is known as the home of a fearsome, man-eating mo`o (dragon) called Ka-Mo`o-Inanea. As he struggles in vain to free himself from the pit, the full string section of the orchestra plumbs the depths of his pain and despair. Trumpets, trombones and tuba intone the emergence of the giant mo`o, rising from deep recesses in the earth. Aukele musters strength to defend himself, and a trumpet flourish challenges the monster. His heroic stance causes the mo`o to recognize the youth as her grandson. The full orchestra swells to a shimmering pitch as she gives Aukele seven miraculous gifts to aid in his future heroic feats. Then she lifts him up out of the pit, setting him free.
- program note by Harvey Hess
Year composed: 1988
Duration: 00:18:32
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 3 Flute, 3 Oboe, 3 Clarinet, 3 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion (General), 1 Strings (General), 1 Harp
Instrumentation notes: orch: 3*3*3*3 4331 timp, perc(3) hrp str