Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
By Richard Meyer
Original Work
Grade 3
INSTRUMENTATION
Conductor Score
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
DBass
Percussion (Maracas, Claves, Cowbell)
Dia de los Muertos is a festive piece depicting the Day of the Dead celebration that is observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries each year at the beginning of November. According to popular belief, on the Day of the Dead, the spirits of the dead return to commune with the living, and this celebration commemorates the deceased so they might rest in peace.
This piece begins with an arpeggio figure in the violins and violas which serves as transition material throughout the work. In m. 4, the low strings quote the "Dies Irae" ("Day of the Wrath") from the Requiem Mass. This melody is soon transformed into the ) main theme of the piece (m. 15), stated in the festive key of G major. This infectious tune is presented in rondo form, and is meant to depict the energetic celebrations that take place in the streets as part of the holiday. The pace of the piece relaxes at m. 78. Cellos and basses strum their instruments, imitating Spanish guitars as the upper strings play collegno, depicting the procession and arrival of the angelitos (little angels), the spirits of the deceased children. A tender and simple melody is introduced by the first violins, and then shared by the entire orchestra. The "Dance of the Little Old Men" follows (m. 140); the theme is also derived from the "Dies lrae." In some places, boys perform this dance, hobbling around with canes, holding their backs in pain and wearing masks that look like funny old men. As the dance continues, the dancers become younger, stomping merrily about. The piece ends in a flurry of fun and high energy-sure to be an audience favorite.