Aztec

Gackstatter explores the ancient mysteries of the Aztec people with this exciting work for wind ensemble. The driving, percussive multi-meter vigor that characterizes most of the piece is broken up by several free, aleatoric sections, utilizing many special vocal effects, including the horrifying Aztec death whistle.

Program Notes

The Aztecs were a highly advanced and powerful civilization. Using psychological warfare when attacking an enemy, the Aztecs would charge while blowing on death whistles, which make a sound like human screaming. Death whistles are also used in Day of the Dead processions and rituals to this day. This piece depicts the warfare and the celebration after a victory.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2016
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 6:05
Type: With Soloist
Programming: Multicultural

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Flute 3
Oboe
Bassoon
Solo B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

F Horn 1
F Horn 2
B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (3 drums)
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba (4-octave)
Percussion 1 (mark tree, suspended cymbal, hi-hat)
Percussion 2 (shaker, timbales, tambourine)
Percussion 3 (shaker, low tom, conga, bongo)
Percussion 4 (4 concert toms)
Percussion 5 (concert bass drum)