Huapango de los Muertos, Op. 12a for Trombone and String Quartet

Huapango de los Muertos, Op. 12a for Trombone and String Quartet

Commissioned by Dr. William Haugeberg of UTRGV & Premiered at the 2019 International Trombone Association Conference

• Opus 12, 2019
• Duration: c. 7m

Huapango de los Muertos is inspired by the traditional dance and music of Mexico known as huapango, as well as the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

Traditional rhythms are combined with more contemporary jazz harmonies, along with the dissonant interplay of major vs. minor in the melodic material. Later, extended string techniques are used to evoke the image of dancing skeletons.

Huapango de los Muertos is a fun and exciting piece that is a reflection of Mexican culture, and informed by the five years I spent living in Mexico.