Austin Symphonic Band Performing La Procession Du Rocio by Joaquin Turina

Austin Symphonic Band. February 7, 2016 concert at Austin ISD Performing Arts Center in Austin TX. ASB performing La Procession Du Rocio by Joaquin Turina (arr. Alfred Reed). Music Director Richard Floyd conducting. Concert title: "Musical Portraits". Audio recording by On Site Digital, Randy Bryant owner. Program notes by David Cross: La Procession Du Rocio (1912) Joaquin Turina (1882–1949) Arranged by Alfred Reed (1921–2005) Joaquín Turina was born in Seville, Spain. Much of his early study took place in Madrid, where he became acquainted with Manuel de Falla, whose style was to have a profound influence on him. Turina later studied in Paris, where he familiarized himself with the works of Debussy and Ravel, whose impressionistic harmonies would similarly influence the young composer. Upon returning to Spain in 1914, Turina spent the balance of his career developing his interests in the nationalistic music of his home country through prolific work in the genres of symphonic, chamber, solo piano, and vocal music as well as scores for cinema and stage. During the early part of the twentieth century, nationalism was a popular trend among many composers. Notable Spanish composers who were drawn to this trend were Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados, and Joaquín Turina. In "La Procession du Rocío" (Parade of the Dew), Turina portrays a festival and procession that takes place in the Triana neighborhood of Seville and honors the Blessed Virgin. In the program notes to the orchestral score, Turina described the festival where “the people dance the soleare and seguidilla. In the midst of the dancing a drunkard sets off firecrackers, adding to the confusion. At the sound of flute and drums which announce the Procession, all dancing ceases.” The work is divided into two movements, which are performed without pause. The first movement Triana en Fête (Festival of Triana) depicts the spirited neighborhood of Triana and is marked by a shift between duple and triple meters. The second movement, La Procession, portrays the slow journey through the town of Triana. Turina uses the flute and percussion to lead the procession through town followed by several repetitions of a religious theme. After three repetitions of the flute melody, the piece returns to material from the first movement before ending with a reflective passage.