Iris

The Portuguese term for “musical bow” is “arco musical,” and “Arco iris” means “rainbow.” In “Iris” Brazilian composer Alexandre Lunsqui plumbs the depths of the berimbau, exploring the incredible variety of timbres and colors it can produce. Lunsqui became obsessed with developing an extremely colorful palate that would reflect the spirit of the instrument. In this way, “Iris” is much more than a piece of music. Concepts ranging from the history of the berimbau and its connection to Capoeira Angola, to its power as a symbol of African culture in Brazil and its related dramatic and musical potential, inform the narrative of the work. For the performer, “Iris” demands intense and intimate physical contact with the instrument. It navigates a series of musical roads, generating along its path a powerful experience for both performer and audience.