A Harmonic Tribute to Earth’s Endurance and Transformation
Work: Sabia
Composer: Juan Arroyo
Duration: 20 minutes
Instruments: for 4 hybrid musicians
Sabia is a unique work that transcends the boundaries of classical music to offer a sensory and emotional experience. Composed by Juan Arroyo, this non-liturgical Requiem unfolds in four offerings: Earth in Flames, symbolizing the fury and devastation of the earth under human impact; Breathless Water, representing the almost lifeless tranquility of waters deprived of their vitality; Sandy Air, evoking a heavy and oppressive air, laden with grains of sand as witnesses of time; and Borderless Fire, depicting a devastating blaze, an outpouring of untamed flames. Each part is designed as a concerto, where instruments take turns as the soloist, thus bringing a richness of timbres and a diversity of sound. The role of the soloist here is not to shine by their virtuosity but to integrate and enrich the collective musical texture. The musicians of Sabia wear hybrid devices in their bodies, transforming them into both performers and loudspeakers simultaneously. This innovative technology creates a new sound dimension, enriching the auditory experience of the audience. Sabia draws its inspiration from the ritual practices of Andean cultures, particularly Pachamama, the goddess of the earth. It is a ritual work dedicated to nature in decline and an offering for its healing. The name “Sabia,” meaning “wise” in feminine Spanish, reflects the wisdom and respect we owe to nature, this precious heritage that we must preserve. The creation of Sabia is the result of a deep reflection on the current state of our planet and the consequences of human actions. Juan Arroyo was awarded a writing grant from the French Ministry of Culture to compose this ambitious work. Its premiere took place in November 2019 at the Rocher de Palmer in Bordeaux, performed by the ensemble Proxima Centauri. Dive into the universe of Sabia and let yourself be carried away by this symphony of timbres, a musical meditation on our earth and its future.