Carnaval (Carnival) for flute octet and string bass optional

Carnaval describes the carnivals of Ponce, Puerto Rico, the composer’s hometown. During these events, troupes of young men dressed in bright colored suits roam the streets. They wear brightly colored papier-mache masks shaped like cow heads and carry inflated cow bladders with which they hit anyone nearby. It is part of the carnival ambiance, notwithstanding being rather intimidating to little kids. The music is festive and restless, as it flits from one motive to another. It doesn’t have the typical characteristics of Latin music, other than its relentless fiery rhythm burning in all tropical music.

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