"El aire es un pájaro grande, vuela alto,
arriba del cielo..."
- Humberto Ak'abal
| About |
Humberto Ak’abal was one of the most important poetic voices from Latin America. A member of the K’iche’ Mayan community in Guatemala, Ak’abal wrote with honesty, intensity, and passion, and has inspired millions around the world. Reading Humberto’s poetry is like living through the depths of history, like being gut-punched with core-shaking truths, like dancing with water, trees, and birds; he was a true Mayan Mystic. It is a great honor to have spent time with Humberto’s family and to be dear friends with his widow, Mayulí, to whom I dedicate this piece. This jubilant work takes cues from Ak’abal’s playful poem, “El Aire Baila” (The Air Dances), to paint a colorful journey into the poet’s imagination and the swirling air around us. |
| Instrumentation |
SATB Choir (divisi), Solo voice (improvised), Piano, & Percussion (Shakers, Clave, and optional congas). |
| Duration | 4:30 |
| Year Completed | 2023 |
| Commissioner |
Clemson University Cantorei. Dr. Anthony Bernarducci, conductor. |
| Text |
El Aire Baila by Humberto Ak’abal El aire baila El aire es un pájaro grande, [English Translation: The air dances The air is a large bird, Trans. Jake Runestad |
| Errata | None |
| Donations |
|
| More Info | Include quotes, links to articles, etc. |