A Su Merced, Don José - Nubia Jamie Donjuan
Immerse yourself in the tapestry of Mexico's rich musical heritage with this captivating piece for string orchestra. The opening adagio will pull at your heart strings, while the contrasting dance-like section will lift you off your feet. Through evocative melodies, rich harmonies, and vibrant rhythms, this stirring piece weaves together the tender nuances of grief with the enduring joy of cherished memories.
Notas al Programa:
Don José Merced fue mi tío abuelo, un hombre de carácter fuerte y costumbres pueblerinas.
Extrañando a mi Tío José escribí A su Merced, Don José. Intenté reflejar en ella el dolor que trajo su muerte a nuestra familia con un primer Adagio en Sol menor que desembocará al unísono, el cuál intenta describir la manera en la que él se expresaba, casi siempre seco, rudo y con fuerza. Posteriormente ese carácter irá mutando hasta llegar al siguiente Adagio en Sol mayor, que describe lo bueno que él fue, con hermosos sentimientos y siempre ayudando a todos, -él nunca tuvo hijos, pero amó a cada uno de sus sobrinos y sobrinos nietos- es así como el siguiente unísono que desarrolla ahora la parte final de la obra muestra realmente quién fue Don José.
“A su Merced” o “a tu Merced” es algo que le decíamos a Don José para hacerle saber que podía depender de nosotros. Su segundo nombre era también “Merced”, y con este juego de palabras mostramos un profundo respeto por nuestro Tío José.
- Nubia Jaime Donjuan
Program Notes:
Don José Merced was my great-uncle, a man of strong character and small-town customs.
I composed this work A Su Merced, Don José in his memory. The piece is made up of contrasting sections representing different aspects of his life and character. In the opening g minor Adagio I tried to echo through music the immense pain and loss his death brought to our family. This leads to an energetic section with angular rhythms representing the way in which he expressed himself: almost always dry and cantankerous. The theme begins to modulate as we reach the next Adagio, now in G Major, recounting how good he was, always helping and supporting everyone. Don José may never have had children, but the final part of the work shows who he truly was, a great man who loved each of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.
“A su Merced” roughly translates to “at your mercy” and was something we would say to Don José to let him know he could depend on us. His middle name was also Merced – so it is a play on words showing our deep respect for our Uncle.
- Nubia Jaime Donjuan