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music RICHARD BROWN, lyrics NIGEL WILLIAMS
Zambezi Tales, an African Journey, was commissioned by the Classical Road and was first performed in Guildford Civic Hall on 3 March 1992, conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton with the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra.
This enchanting piece is based on animal folk tales
from Zimbabwe and Zambia, mostly from the Shona and Tonga tribes. The
stories are richly varied - they embrace elephants, vultures and warthogs.
Some are funny, some are rather sinister, but they are all full of the
special magic of African tribal legends.
The children are required to sing, make animal noises and even chant in Bantu! Teachers are provided with a project package (including audience songs) during the term before the concert, so that children may learn their parts - in unison or in harmony.
A percussion group is featured on stage, drawn from the participating schools, playing on original African instruments lent by the composer. Our professional percussionist visits these schools beforehand to give them lively rehearsals.
Schools are invited to extend the project to the study of African Art. The teachers' packs include information on techniques of tribal mask and shield painting. The audience are invited to wear their masks (designed with large spaces around eyes and mouths!) and to display their shields, to create a jungle setting .... Some schools had the opportunity to participate in the painting and construction of stage scenery designed especially for the first production of Zambezi Tales.
ORCHESTRATION;-
6.5.3.3.1.
1 flute/piccolo, 1 oboe/cor anglais,
2 clarinets/bass clarinets, 1 bassoon,
2 horns, 1 trumpet, 1 trombone, 1 tuba, perc/timpani, 1 harp
