PROGRAM NOTE African Portrait is a fantasy on African folk songs presented in a way that strives to capture the stark landscape, numerous countries, vast amount of land, and warm, friendly people who love their different countries yet reflect one common attribute.., the love of music. The songs included in this continuous suite of three movements are songs of fun (Abot Tangewuo, a Kenyan counting game song), a lullaby that a mother might sing to her child (Ayo ay, from Senegal), and a Ugandan song (Yaye yayo) set in a mock war-dance style, which would be sung loudly and fiercely.
This piece features clapping, stomping, and loud drumming that expresses the energy and joyful exuberance of a wonderful people.
TO THE CONDUCTOR The opening few measures require some physical involvement from the players in the form of clapping and stomping. Allow the performers to relax and enjoy this boisterous addition to the music. Keep it free and easy without overdue emphasison the dynamics. When the percussion section joins the ensemble, strive for a balance that allows the clapping and stomping to continue to dominate the texture.
In measure 5, the melody in the clarinets and saxophones is to be heard above the rhythmic aspect of the music. The counting in measures 17-20 may be performed in English or Kenyan, should you feel up to the proper pronunciations involved in the language. The lullaby in measure 26 is lovely and expressive and should not be hurried. Let the music portray the soft, rocking emotion of the music. Yaye yayo, a war-like song, should exude energy, drive and spirit. Be cautious not to overplay the dynamics or the ‘accented” style.
