Rosauro's Mitos Brasileiros (Brazilian Myths), Movement V: Mula sem Cabeça

The Mula sem Cabeça, or the Headless Mule, is a dark cautionary tale of a woman who committed sacrilege against the Church by having an affair with a priest. In this variation of the tale, the priest brings her peace by swearing at her seven times before beginning mass.

Anthony plays the bongos, the guiro, the tambourine, and the Brazilian tamborim. He also thumps his chest and shouts.

Larry plays the snare drum, the castanets, wood blocks, and his hips. He shouts.

Aaron plays our substitute for the enigmatic mattock, something that apparently produces a bell-like sound. Ever improvising, he uses a castanet for a pair of coconut shells. He also plays the cowbell and the tom-toms. He, too, shouts.

Pamela plays the conga, field drum, temple blocks, and bass drum. And… she shouts.

This video performance is shared with you by permission of publisher Pro Percussão Brasil. To watch the entire piece in a YouTube playlist, click here.

This exciting final movement is dedicated to the memory of Phyllis Jacobson, percussionist and timpanist for the IVSO from 1984 to 2009. We are deeply grateful for her contribution to the music community in the Illinois Valley.