Dr. Rice has mentioned that we toured four churches in the colonial center of Quito; I found this outing to be one of the most enjoyable of the trip! It´s one thing to intellectually understand the age in the settlements of South America; it´s another to actually visit churches and see artifacts from the sixteenth and seventeenth century. We not only saw the nave and side chapels of the cathedral, but also visited the chapter house, walled with paintings of the cathedral´s bishops, with some items on display. By far my favorite was a printed book of polyphany from 1570, of course imported from Europe. The choir would all crowd around this one book to sing, with two parts on one page. Here is an example of printed books following the conventions of manuscript books, long after the invention of the printing press. The book was opened to a motet by Guerrero, and the existence of this book in the cathedral is the reason why we´re singing a mass setting of his at the concert; the book is evidence that his pieces were performed at the cathedral. The cathedral also has an incredible display of old vestments and liturgical artifacts.
I agree with Dr. Rice that the La Compania was absolutely spectacular. Patterns of gold cover much of the church and the altars. One of the altars shines as brightly as it did at the original construction, thanks to the restoration of the altar after a fire a few decades ago. Illustrating the importance of symmatry in baroque style, there is a spiral staircase at on one side of the door at the back of the church, and the exact same staircase painted on the other side of the door. The church was built by the Jesuits, and the facade is carved from volacanic rock. The relics in the altar are from the patron saint of Ecuador and the country´s first saint, Saint Mariana de Jesus de Paredes, who offered herself to God to save Quito from earthquakes.
In sharp contrast to the cathedral and La Compania, we saw the artwork in the main chamber at Ecuador´s National Assembly today. The entire back wall of the chamber is covered in murals (painted a few decades ago, I believe?), and I think that some of us found several of the images disquieting- or, at least, not what we´d choose to look at if we were in the midst of a legislative session. We took many pictures of the chamber, so you can judge for yourself!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day Six!
We have been so busy that nobody has had time to write on the blog, so I thought I'd update you all. Our internet connection is rather slow, so we have not been able to add pictures, but we will after the fact.
Our residence here in Quito is ideal. We have access to a rehearsal hall, a dining hall, a chapel, and a sacristy — and all of it is under one roof along with our rooms. The setting is beautiful, too: the shape of the building is that of a cloister, with a lovely garden in the middle. (We promise to upload pictures soon!) The food here is incredible. I mean it — really, really good.
Having had difficulty in Ibarra, we were able to record three more villancicos in the little chapel attached to our residence on Tuesday. Wednesday morning we toured four churches in downtown Quito. The two most spectacular were la Compania, which boasts baroque decoration that includes 152 kilos (!) of gold, and the cathedral, which is less stunning but more authentic, at least in my opinion. In the afternoon we performed for the U.S. Embassy in Quito, which was a wonderful experience (except for the security, which was very tight). Yesterday (Thursday) students had some time to explore downtown on their own in large groups while Angie and I did a radio interview, went to the bank to change travelers' checks, and took care of other logistics. In the afternoon we had our first rehearsal at the cathedral, and in the evening we performed for the Ecuadorian National Assembly, where the assembly president presented us with a proclamation. Angie and I took a two singers (Caroline and Emily) and a viol player (Harrison) to a TV station for an interview and performance on a variety show. One of the students should fill in the details, but it was quite a contrast to the National Assembly, as we were preceded and followed by an Ecuadorian boy band that lip-synced to their own Spanish-language rap. There will doubtless be a YouTube video of our interview and performance, which went very well, so you can see for yourselves how much of a "variety" show it was.
And tonight is our big concert. We will return to the National Assembly for a brief tour, and then it's home to the Residencia for a bit of a rest before lunch. Rehearsal (more of a walk-through) in the afternoon, and then the concert at 6 pm, though we won't start until 6:30, because — as our hosts tell us — Ecuadorians are notoriously late. We're very excited for this concert. Everyone has worked incredibly hard and adapted well to the changes in plan we've had to make. I am so very proud of all of them!
ER
Our residence here in Quito is ideal. We have access to a rehearsal hall, a dining hall, a chapel, and a sacristy — and all of it is under one roof along with our rooms. The setting is beautiful, too: the shape of the building is that of a cloister, with a lovely garden in the middle. (We promise to upload pictures soon!) The food here is incredible. I mean it — really, really good.
Having had difficulty in Ibarra, we were able to record three more villancicos in the little chapel attached to our residence on Tuesday. Wednesday morning we toured four churches in downtown Quito. The two most spectacular were la Compania, which boasts baroque decoration that includes 152 kilos (!) of gold, and the cathedral, which is less stunning but more authentic, at least in my opinion. In the afternoon we performed for the U.S. Embassy in Quito, which was a wonderful experience (except for the security, which was very tight). Yesterday (Thursday) students had some time to explore downtown on their own in large groups while Angie and I did a radio interview, went to the bank to change travelers' checks, and took care of other logistics. In the afternoon we had our first rehearsal at the cathedral, and in the evening we performed for the Ecuadorian National Assembly, where the assembly president presented us with a proclamation. Angie and I took a two singers (Caroline and Emily) and a viol player (Harrison) to a TV station for an interview and performance on a variety show. One of the students should fill in the details, but it was quite a contrast to the National Assembly, as we were preceded and followed by an Ecuadorian boy band that lip-synced to their own Spanish-language rap. There will doubtless be a YouTube video of our interview and performance, which went very well, so you can see for yourselves how much of a "variety" show it was.
And tonight is our big concert. We will return to the National Assembly for a brief tour, and then it's home to the Residencia for a bit of a rest before lunch. Rehearsal (more of a walk-through) in the afternoon, and then the concert at 6 pm, though we won't start until 6:30, because — as our hosts tell us — Ecuadorians are notoriously late. We're very excited for this concert. Everyone has worked incredibly hard and adapted well to the changes in plan we've had to make. I am so very proud of all of them!
ER
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 3: Recording in Quito
Hi all. This is my first time writing on the blog...Please bear with me while I figure this out...
Today, tuesday, is our "second" day of recording the villancicos. We were at the Ibarra Cathedral yesterday and were only able to record 2 of the villancicos (Atención a la Fragua Amorosa, and Ese Viril con Pan) since there was a lot of street noise coming from outside...So, we decided to return to Quito and test the sound/silence at the Chapel of Residencia Mercedaria. It turns out that we were indeed able to record here, so we have been recording since lunch-time. The soloists just finished with "La Chacona me Piden" and now they are recording "Miren que se derrama". It looks like everything should go smoothly from here on, and thankfully everyone is being very patient and waiting for their turn to perform and record.
The food has been favorable to everyone's taste, today we had "Patacones" which are made from green-plantains, and "maduros" which are sweet-plantains.
I am personally very happy that tomorrow is our first performance and interviews with the ecuadorian press. At 2 o'clock, we'll be at the U.S Embassy building and presenting the tour and the presence of Uconn Collegium Musicum in Quito-Ecuador. At 3pm, we'll start a short-performace. Pianist Paco Godoy from Ecuador and Penny Brandt from Indiana will be performing two pieces with me as an opening act and homage to the United States and Ecuador. Following that, the Collegium will perform 2 villancicos: Oigannos Celebrar un Misterio Unico and Atención a la Fragua Amorosa, as well as the Kyrie and Gloria parts from the Corpus Christi Mass.
We'll get to see downtown Quito for the first time tomorrow! I'm eager to show them around the Cathedral and other archives/libraries that hold breviaries and missals with some of the chant that will be sung during our concerts!
Stay tuned for more "blogs"...as I have finally figured out a way to log-in and tell you all about this experience (from my point of view).
Hasta pronto!
Today, tuesday, is our "second" day of recording the villancicos. We were at the Ibarra Cathedral yesterday and were only able to record 2 of the villancicos (Atención a la Fragua Amorosa, and Ese Viril con Pan) since there was a lot of street noise coming from outside...So, we decided to return to Quito and test the sound/silence at the Chapel of Residencia Mercedaria. It turns out that we were indeed able to record here, so we have been recording since lunch-time. The soloists just finished with "La Chacona me Piden" and now they are recording "Miren que se derrama". It looks like everything should go smoothly from here on, and thankfully everyone is being very patient and waiting for their turn to perform and record.
The food has been favorable to everyone's taste, today we had "Patacones" which are made from green-plantains, and "maduros" which are sweet-plantains.
I am personally very happy that tomorrow is our first performance and interviews with the ecuadorian press. At 2 o'clock, we'll be at the U.S Embassy building and presenting the tour and the presence of Uconn Collegium Musicum in Quito-Ecuador. At 3pm, we'll start a short-performace. Pianist Paco Godoy from Ecuador and Penny Brandt from Indiana will be performing two pieces with me as an opening act and homage to the United States and Ecuador. Following that, the Collegium will perform 2 villancicos: Oigannos Celebrar un Misterio Unico and Atención a la Fragua Amorosa, as well as the Kyrie and Gloria parts from the Corpus Christi Mass.
We'll get to see downtown Quito for the first time tomorrow! I'm eager to show them around the Cathedral and other archives/libraries that hold breviaries and missals with some of the chant that will be sung during our concerts!
Stay tuned for more "blogs"...as I have finally figured out a way to log-in and tell you all about this experience (from my point of view).
Hasta pronto!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day One
Dear Reader,
As our first full day in Ecuador comes to a close, it is very hard to condense everything to just a few short bloggable words. How can you adequately describe this lovely country and it's wonderful people? I know it has only been day one, but I feel like Alice in Wonderland with a new adventure around every corner with new senses to sense and sights to see, with friendships to strengthen and new friendships yet to make.
So far, I have adjusted to the altitude and I've gotten more courageous with speaking Spanish... For the most part anyway!
After our excursion to the City at the Center of the World and Pelalahua (I probably slaughtered the spelling there, sorry), we came back for rehearsal and dinner. After that was an educational concert given by Angies uncle and a band. They gave examples of autochtonous -ie indigenous or native- Ecuadorian musical genres, making our research assignments more tangible and understandable. I tried to present the pasacalle, but my only real success was proving my inadequacy at pronoucing Spanish. (This is just one more reason why I am a collegium instrumentalist!) The lead vocalist was so talented... And she was gorgeous! If my senior prom had been anything like tonight, I would have enjoyed it so much more, haha. A second band came on afterwards whose name in English was 'Get Out of the Way.' They were CRAZY. A very nice young man tried to teach me to salsa dance. That was inevitably just one huge fail, as I have three left feet. Yes, three. It was so much fun though!!! Can we get those guys to come back again sometime this week? :D. Hint hint ...
As much as this is a performance-based trip, and even though we've spent just one night and one day here, I have already learned a lot about Ecuador and myself as well. I have learned firsthand that the Ecuadorians are happy and joyous. In fact, I cannot get over how absolutely loving and warm they are! Yes I am most definitely a foreigner and no, I have no clue what you just said, but let's dance! And hug! And laugh! It's impossible not to fall in love with them right away. I also learned that there are around 400 if not more separate and distinct ethnic groups in Ecuador. And what of me, you may or may not ask? Well I learned that I can, in fact, drink non-Dunkin Donuts coffee and I actually am capable of dancing like a moron for hours and really, really enjoy myself while doing so.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Quito and Ecuador. Tomorrow we're off to Ibarra for our first recording session. I'm so excited!
Stay tuned for more, dear reader!
Love,
Carolyn
As our first full day in Ecuador comes to a close, it is very hard to condense everything to just a few short bloggable words. How can you adequately describe this lovely country and it's wonderful people? I know it has only been day one, but I feel like Alice in Wonderland with a new adventure around every corner with new senses to sense and sights to see, with friendships to strengthen and new friendships yet to make.
So far, I have adjusted to the altitude and I've gotten more courageous with speaking Spanish... For the most part anyway!
After our excursion to the City at the Center of the World and Pelalahua (I probably slaughtered the spelling there, sorry), we came back for rehearsal and dinner. After that was an educational concert given by Angies uncle and a band. They gave examples of autochtonous -ie indigenous or native- Ecuadorian musical genres, making our research assignments more tangible and understandable. I tried to present the pasacalle, but my only real success was proving my inadequacy at pronoucing Spanish. (This is just one more reason why I am a collegium instrumentalist!) The lead vocalist was so talented... And she was gorgeous! If my senior prom had been anything like tonight, I would have enjoyed it so much more, haha. A second band came on afterwards whose name in English was 'Get Out of the Way.' They were CRAZY. A very nice young man tried to teach me to salsa dance. That was inevitably just one huge fail, as I have three left feet. Yes, three. It was so much fun though!!! Can we get those guys to come back again sometime this week? :D. Hint hint ...
As much as this is a performance-based trip, and even though we've spent just one night and one day here, I have already learned a lot about Ecuador and myself as well. I have learned firsthand that the Ecuadorians are happy and joyous. In fact, I cannot get over how absolutely loving and warm they are! Yes I am most definitely a foreigner and no, I have no clue what you just said, but let's dance! And hug! And laugh! It's impossible not to fall in love with them right away. I also learned that there are around 400 if not more separate and distinct ethnic groups in Ecuador. And what of me, you may or may not ask? Well I learned that I can, in fact, drink non-Dunkin Donuts coffee and I actually am capable of dancing like a moron for hours and really, really enjoy myself while doing so.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Quito and Ecuador. Tomorrow we're off to Ibarra for our first recording session. I'm so excited!
Stay tuned for more, dear reader!
Love,
Carolyn
That´s how they do it in Ecuador!
So today we got our first taste of Ecuadorian culture when we got to go to La Citad del Mundo (the center of the world!! No really... I stood on the equator a lot of times for photo ops!). The atmosphere in Ecuador during Carnival is pretty crazy... and if you´re standing around and not paying too much attention, someone will inevitably spray you in the side of the head with scented party foam - but really, it´s all over the place!!! We were able to take some photo ops at the equator and walk inside the museum and monument they have. A tour guide took us through the many artifacts they have of the various cultural groups in Ecuador. I have to say that seeing how another country lives and operates is a really interesting and enriching experience.
But, back to the foam. The people of Ecuador celebrate Carnival in a variety of different ways, and they love (as we found out) to bring everyone into the celebration. Moms, Dads, kids, grandmothers, grandfathers... I think everyone, had a can of this foam at La Citad del Mundo. If you weren´t covered in bubble gum scented foam when you got there... you didn´t really have to worry because all of us got a good dousing in it, thanks to Angie, her mom and several precocious children. One in particular took one look at me, smiled big and shot a huge can of yellow foam at myself, Rob, Sophie, and several other unfortunate people standing by.
The music is so festive and everyone was so happy, it´s hard to not get caught up in the good mood and start celebrating with everyone there. They played music native to the country and a few pieces we recognized as well! Carolyn and I enjoyed dancing to their version of "In the Mood." Several of us chose to do a little shopping from some of the vendors there, and some of us practiced our spanish.
After getting back on the bus we were able to go see a large crater in Quito (the name of which escapes me right now...) and try out some really neat instruments vendors were also selling. I don´t think any of us decided to buy them, but we definitely had fun trying to play them. Some of us succeeded... and some of us... really didn´t. But either way we had a blast trying!
After we got back to Residencia Mecedaria we enjoyed a huge lunch and a little bit of rehearsal before dinner and our Welcome Event tonight! We´re all pretty tired but enjoying the country, the people and each other´s company a whole lot.
I would have to say that today has been a fairly huge success (even if you aren´t partial to party foam.). :)
More later from Quito, Ecuador at approx. 2800 meters... or 9200 feet or so.
-Sam
But, back to the foam. The people of Ecuador celebrate Carnival in a variety of different ways, and they love (as we found out) to bring everyone into the celebration. Moms, Dads, kids, grandmothers, grandfathers... I think everyone, had a can of this foam at La Citad del Mundo. If you weren´t covered in bubble gum scented foam when you got there... you didn´t really have to worry because all of us got a good dousing in it, thanks to Angie, her mom and several precocious children. One in particular took one look at me, smiled big and shot a huge can of yellow foam at myself, Rob, Sophie, and several other unfortunate people standing by.
The music is so festive and everyone was so happy, it´s hard to not get caught up in the good mood and start celebrating with everyone there. They played music native to the country and a few pieces we recognized as well! Carolyn and I enjoyed dancing to their version of "In the Mood." Several of us chose to do a little shopping from some of the vendors there, and some of us practiced our spanish.
After getting back on the bus we were able to go see a large crater in Quito (the name of which escapes me right now...) and try out some really neat instruments vendors were also selling. I don´t think any of us decided to buy them, but we definitely had fun trying to play them. Some of us succeeded... and some of us... really didn´t. But either way we had a blast trying!
After we got back to Residencia Mecedaria we enjoyed a huge lunch and a little bit of rehearsal before dinner and our Welcome Event tonight! We´re all pretty tired but enjoying the country, the people and each other´s company a whole lot.
I would have to say that today has been a fairly huge success (even if you aren´t partial to party foam.). :)
More later from Quito, Ecuador at approx. 2800 meters... or 9200 feet or so.
-Sam
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Bon Voyage!
- Penny
PS Dr. Rice suggested I add a link to the website, in case you don't know what this trip is about: http://www.music.uconn.edu/Ensembles/Collegium/upcomingevents.htm and he says, "Hi!" to the Blogosphere.
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