La Ceremonia del Gallo

This work reflects the ceremonial choreography of the rooster in efforts to surprise, tame and conquer the hen. Set in two movements, the first is the courting of the rooster with all its sleekness and sensuality involved. Although the rooster’s movements are paced and smooth while circling the hen, its inner self is already exploding with intensity (solo bassoon cadenza). Movement two takes us to the actual ritual of the rooster involving physical dominance over the hen as he mounts her back. Once favourably positioned, the rooster pecks away at the hen’s back and head as a sign of demonstration that she is the one who most excites and calls him. The music is not shy of being transparent and quite graphic with the portrayal of this “pecking” ritual. The work's final climax sets forth emotions to the listener pertaining to the explosive finale of this vivid ritual.