Lorca Soundscape Songs #6: New York (oficina y denúncia)

Federico Garcia Lorca's poem, New York (oficina y denúncia) describes how all the evils of the financial system are destroying the world as we know it. It was written in 1929.

The poem imagery suggested repetitiveness, so I worked with a number of ostinatos that morph into one another, always a bit differently and create a sense of confusion and dizziness.

This was one of the most challenging songs to write, especially because the poem is long, and I was hearing it as a "rapid fire" recitation, which would inevitably make it hard for a vocalist to articulate. I have been so lucky to have Claudia Acuña working on this project and she just nailed this particular one. After the song was written, parts of it reminded me of "Maquillaje", a song from the iconic 80's pop band Mecano.

Then there's a part with violent rhythmic hits that evokes Stravinski's rite of spring. Also, if you can find it, there's a quote from the iconic Wynton Marsalis tune Delfeayo's dilemma from the CD "Black Codes". I realized about it much after I wrote it...  These are the bizarre connections that occur in my composer's mind. I enjoy this process the same way a kid enjoys playing with Legos.

“Maquillaje” from the Spanish 80s pop band Mecano

Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”

Wynton Marsalis, “Delfeayo’s Dilemma”