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Title	Machu Picchu
Article no.	4042487
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Original contemporary music (20th, 21st century)
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	Italy (it)
Publisher *	Scomegna
Publisher's article no. *	ES B1105.27
Year of publication	2012
Price	click here
Composer	Agnello, Federico
Difficulty level	4+
Evaluation level of countries	D5 (German highest level)
Duration	16:58
Additional info/contents	Machu Picchu describes in a fantastic and naturalistic way the legendary Lost City of the Incas. In 2007, the city was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and this composition is the first chapter of a series of seven descriptive works written to honor these archeological sites. Machu Picchu (which in Spanish means "old peak”) is called the Lost City and is located in Peru, in the Archeological Park of Machu Picchu (known also as the Peruvian Historical Sanctuary) in the Amazon Forest. Archeologists believe that the city, built by the Incan emperor Pachacútec around 1440, was abandoned in 1532 at the time of the Spanish conquest. The site is strategically located, as it is surrounded by steep slopes that constitute a natural defense and have kept it secretly hidden for centuries. In fact, once it was abandoned, the legendary city remained unknown to the outside world for more than four hundred years. Archeological finds and recent studies of colonial documents show that Machu Picchu was not a traditional city, but rather a summer residence for the emperor and the Incan nobility. It is estimated that no more than 750 people at a time could live in Machu Picchu and that this number decreased consistently during the rainy season or in absence of the nobility. Hiram Bingham, an American historian at Yale University, announced the discovery of the city on July 24, 1911. Machu Picchu, situated on the crest of the mountain, is composed of many structures at different altitudes, separated by deep precipices and steep paths. The city is a site of high architectural value with many sacred buildings characterized by stylistically distinctive stonework altars. More than one hundred flights of stone steps, waterworks, residences, observatories, squares, temples, sighting towers, and the astronomic clock render this city a unique venue. The composition opens with a vision of the city that, enshrouded by mysterious mist, rapidly disappears as though hiding on purpose. Eventually, the clouds clear and let us admire the wonderful "Pyramid of Intihuatana,” whose music, with wide timbric and harmonic leaps, portrays the large steps of the building and becomes a unifying element of the piece. Next, we enter in the city, where the composer visualizes a llama (typical Peruvian animal) that, jumping among the steep paths, magically takes us back to the time when the Incas populated the city. A catchy 7/8 rhythm overwhelms us with cheerfulness and wonder: the popular feast begins. After this fantastic moment of playfulness, we gaze at the austere "Temple of the Sun,” where the initial sweet and smooth sound gives way to a depiction of the majestic building. But here comes a war! This section is an imaginary portrayal of the Spanish conquest of 1532 … These war images do not last long, and we are once again rushed to the past where we take pleasure in the joy of children playing on the large steps of the pyramid. In the "Sacred Square,” we witness an Incan ritual in honor of the Sun God in which the priests balance the negative forces created by humankind on earth with the supernatural forces of the stars. This section features the voice that recalls the sonorous effect of the ancient rite and the theme earlier employed for the war, which portrays the negative energy created by humankind. The llama returns and brings back with his joyful jumping the festive city! The composition ends with a last glimpse at the magnificent site that remains surrounded by mystery and will endure as "The Lost City of the Incas.”
Sample score *	click here
Sound sample *
Video sample *
Listen to this in the Musicainfo Radio *	click here
External link *	http://youtu.be/XacNoYkqKNM
Available	yes

Programme notes *: Machu Picchu, an impressive archaeological site in the Peruvian Andes, is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and mystical travel destinations in the world. This historic site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year, captivating them with its majestic beauty and mysterious history. The history of Machu Picchu dates back to the time of the Inca Empire, one of the largest pre-Columbian civilizations in South America. However, the exact time when Machu Picchu was created remains a mystery. Most historians believe that the city was built in the 15th century during the reign of Pachacuti, the ninth Inca ruler. Machu Picchu is believed to have been used as a royal residence and religious center, although the exact purposes and functions of the various buildings and terraces are still the subject of intense research and speculation. Some believe that it served as a refuge for Inca nobles, while others consider it a type of pilgrimage site that was associated with religious ceremonies and sacrifices. However, the Incas left Machu Picchu relatively soon after its completion, probably due to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors and the resulting threat to their empire. The Spanish conquistadors never discovered Machu Picchu, and the city was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu is not only an archaeological site but also an architectural masterpiece. The city is built on a steep mountainside amidst a spectacular landscape of rugged mountains and lush jungle. The precise processing of the stones, the complex water drainage systems and the carefully designed terraces testify to the technical and aesthetic sophistication of the Inca master builders. Visitors to Machu Picchu can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Inca culture as they explore the ruins and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The city is surrounded by an aura of mystery and mysticism, and there are numerous interpretations and theories about its meaning and history. Today, Machu Picchu is a symbol of Peru's rich cultural heritage and a major tourist destination in South America. The Peruvian government has taken steps to protect the historic site and control the flow of visitors to ensure the preservation of the ruins and their surroundings. Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world and a place of unparalleled beauty and importance. Their legacy will continue to capture the imagination of travelers and researchers from around the world, helping to explore and preserve the fascinating history of the Inca civilization. Quelle/Source: musicainfo.net (KI) Informartion: Scomegna Wikipedia: Machu Picchu Tags: Ancient Cultures Mountains and valleys Continents and parts of the world Foreign countries and places of interest Buildings and Architecture Countries and cities Nature and beauties of the world travels Decades and Epochs

	Format
	Machu Picchu (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	Machu Picchu (concert/wind band), full score
	Moyses: Federico Agnello Works #1, audio CD

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