Rosauro's Mitos Brasileiros (Brazilian Myths), Movement I: Curupira

The percussion ensemble of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra performs the first movement in Ney Rosauro’s Mitos Brasileiros (Brazilian Myths). This movement captures the tomfoolery of Curupira, the Amazonian dwarf with feet that face the wrong way. Curupira makes his appearance halfway through the piece, creating a mess and causing chaos in the musicians’ midst.

Percussion I is played by Anthony Nieszel, Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst at Mauser Packaging Solutions. In this movement he plays the bongos, xylophone, and tin cans. He also laughs.

Larry Ault, Chemistry Instructor at Illinois Valley Community College, plays Percussion II. Here he plays the snare drum, marimba, cooking pans, splash cymbal, sizzle cymbal. He, too, laughs.

Pamela Butler, Video Editor for Ebenim Media, Volunteer Webmaster for the IVSO, and author of this series, generally attempts to play Percussion III. In this movement she plays the bass drum, ratchet, tam-tam, field drum, suspended cymbal, congas, auto horn, and pea whistle.

Aaron Nelson, Accounting and Finance Manager at MTM Recognition Corporation in Princeton, plays Percussion IV. He handles the four tom-toms, the triangle, and cow bell. He might even whoop once.

The entire 5-movement piece will roll out a day at a time this week, and on Friday, the entire piece will be available in a YouTube playlist, so be sure to stay tuned!