At a glance
ORCHESTRATION
2.2.2.2 – 2.2.0.0 – timp; 2 perc – pno; hp – str
YEAR COMPOSED
2019
DURATION
9 Minutes
PREMIERE
March, 2019
COMMISSIONED
byCONTPAQi to celebrate their 35th anniversary
Listen In
Program Note
Corazón Azul (Blue Heart) is a musical journey through Mexico’s Pacific coast and ocean, which I consider the country’s “blue heart.” We begin quietly, setting out in a small boat toward the vast ocean, filled with hopes and dreams. As we depart, we hear the sounds of waves, created by the percussionist lifting and submerging a water gong in a tub. We soon arrive at our first port, where festive music welcomes us. As we gain confidence, our boat seems to grow, and we continue our expedition into the depths of the sea.
Venturing further into the ocean, we see a storm looming on the horizon, making navigation increasingly challenging. The strings mimic the deep rumble and the rhythmic rocking of the waves, building tension. We briefly recall the joyful music of the port, drawing strength from it as we confront the eye of the storm. At the height of the tempest, our boat crashes into the waves and takes on water.
After the storm, a French horn solo invites us to reflect on whether we will recover, overcome our fears, and make it back to shore. The orchestra joins to renew our conviction, repair our boat, and proudly lead us to our destination. As we approach the port, the ocean waves crash with excitement, and the festive music welcomes us one last time, concluding the voyage with great brilliance.
This journey is a metaphor for life itself. As we face storms and pursue distant shores, we realize that it is not merely the destination that matters, but every challenge and discovery along the way. True happiness and fulfillment are found amidst the waves, the winds, and the unknown depths of the ocean.
Corazón Azul was commissioned by CONTPAQi to celebrate their 35th anniversary. This work is dedicated to its visionary founders: René, Bertha, and José Luis, who have successfully navigated the CONTPAQi ship for over 35 years. I “carved” their names into the composition by translating each syllable into corresponding musical notes: Re (D = re) né (E = mi); Ber (B = si) tha (A = la); Jo (C# = do#) sé (B = si) Luis (E = mi). These notes, derived from their names, are the melodic and harmonic DNA of Corazón Azul.
—Juan Pablo Contreras
