Programme Note
Composer note:Escaramuza, which signifies "skirmish" in the Spanish language, is inspired by the
kachampa music of Andean Perú. Celebrating the pre-Hispanic Inca warrior, the
kachampa dance is executed by athletic men who convey a triumphant, even joyful, spirit. Inspired by the
kachampa dances done with fast-snapping ropes that I've witnessed in Perú, especially in Paucartambo during the Virgen de la Carmen festival, I've created a brightly chiseled romp in an asymmetrical 7/8 rhythm that is launched after an extended bass drum solo. Through most of Escaramuza, no section of the ensemble is allowed to rest for long, maintaining the high energy typical of
kachampas.
— Gabriela Lena Frank